Indian health ministry invites suggestions on $282m food safety schemes

India’s Health and Family Welfare Ministry has recently issued a notice inviting suggestions on two schemes under the Food Safety Standards Regulations (FSSR) 2011, estimated at Rs1,750cr ($282m), to enhance the country’s food safety regulatory system.

These schemes have been set out by the central government for strengthening the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the state regulatory system.

While the government has set aside $137.2m (Rs850cr) for the first scheme, the second involves an investment of $145.27m (Rs900cr).

The department has invited suggestions regarding the two schemes until 22 December.

The first scheme called the Central Sector Scheme will involve the strengthening of FSSAI at headquarter, regional /field offices and eGovernance and food safety surveillance, strengthening of central level laboratories and establishment of National Food Science and Risk Assessment Centre (NFSRAC) apart from awareness, training, capacity building and educational programmes.

The second scheme will work on strengthening of food safety infrastructure at the state level and the strengthening of state level laboratories.

Funds for the two schemes will be released after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the respective states and the FSSAI regarding objectives, timelines for completion of activities.

Speaking about the schemes, the ministry said in a statement: "The schemes aim to facilitate effective implementation of the FSS Act and rules and regulations made thereunder.

"It will help in strengthening the food testing laboratories and building manpower capacity of the states/UTs, organising training, creating awareness for public and Food Business Operators (FBOs) and setting up of a robust surveillance system considered essential to effectively meet the aims of reducing food adulteration and making available wholesome food to the consumers."