7-Jun-2023: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveils 5th State Food Safety Index on World Food Safety Day
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reaffirmed its dedication to food safety and innovation by organizing an interactive session on June 7th, 2023 (Wednesday) at Vigyan Bhavan, in honor of World Food Safety Day. The event witnessed the participation of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prof S.P. Singh Baghel.
At the event, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the 5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI), which evaluates the performance of states and union territories across six different aspects of food safety. The release of this index coincided with the interactive session. Launched in 2018-19, the SFSI aims to foster healthy competition and catalyze positive change in the food safety ecosystem throughout the country, ultimately ensuring the provision of safe and wholesome food to all residents.
Recognizing the achievements of various states and union territories, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the winners based on their rankings for the year 2022-23. Among the larger states, Kerala secured the top ranking, followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu Among the smaller states, Goa emerged as the leader, followed Manipur and Sikkim Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh secured the first, second, and third ranks respectively among the union territories. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also commended states that demonstrated significant improvement in their State Food Safety Index scores.
Furthermore, the Union Health Minister honored the winners of the Eat Right Challenge for Districts - Phase II. These districts showcased outstanding efforts in implementing plans to improve the food environment and raise awareness about food safety. Remarkably, most of the districts with exceptional results were located in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Out of the 260 participating districts, 31 successfully achieved a score of 75% or higher.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, as well as the International Year of Millets, the FSSAI envisioned organizing Eat Right Millets Melas across the country. These melas serve as platforms to showcase the diversity of cuisines, as well as millet recipes, in the country. In recognition of the outstanding efforts made by states and union territories, certificates of appreciation were presented to those states who have successfully conducted or Eat Right Millets Melas in their districts.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya announced that 25 lakh food business operators will be trained by FSSAI in the next 3 years to ensure that food quality standards are met across the country. He also announced the setting up of 100 Food Streets across the country which meet the quality benchmark for food safety, hygiene, and nutrition. “Food quality is a part of wellness”, Dr Mandaviya remarked.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by the members of the Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels. He emphasized their pivotal role in shaping evidence-based policies and regulations concerning food safety. In this regard he said, “The expertise and recommendations of these esteemed professionals have been instrumental in formulating effective strategies to address emerging challenges and ensure the highest standards of food safety across the nation. This gathering provides a platform for scientific experts to engage in thoughtful discussions and deliberations regarding food safety regulations, as well as the standards-setting process.” In setting food safety standards for the country, the Minister said that we should look at our own traditions, and heritage in terms of diet, lifestyle, seasonality of food products, so we can set our own food standards in the world.
Dr. Mandaviya also unveiled several innovative initiatives by FSSAI, including the Rapid Food Testing Kit (RAFT) portal. This portal aims to streamline the operations of the RAFT Scheme, ensuring transparency and accountability. Applicants can now conveniently apply for approval online, and all steps, from application processing to certificate issuance and renewal, can be carried out electronically. This digitalization promotes a paperless operation of the RAFT scheme, which was launched in 2019 to encourage the adoption of advanced technologies for food testing, screening, and surveillance purposes.
As part of the event, the Union Health Minister released three manuals designed to enhance food safety practices nationwide. These manuals include the Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Fish & Fish Products, Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Cereal and Cereal Products - 2nd edition, and Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Chicory.
These manuals are tailored to align with the latest technological advancements in food analysis, ensuring the safety and quality of food products. Stakeholders in the food industry, including food businesses, regulatory officials, and consumers, will benefit from the valuable guidance provided in these manuals.
Prof. SP Singh Baghel while congratulating the winners said, “Awards not just limited to certificates, but it has a larger impact. It also places greater responsibility on you as you go forward to do something even bigger.” On the importance of food safety, he said, “No matter how remote a place is, it boasts of fast food stalls, hence guaranteeing food safety standards becomes even more important in ensuring the health of our citizens.”
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Aradhana Patnaik, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO FSSAI, Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Advisor (Science & Standards, CODEX), FSSAI, prominent members of the Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels of FSSAI, senior officials from the State Food Safety Departments and Municipal Corporations/Smart City Offices, professionals in food and nutrition, development agencies, food businesses, and other senior officials of FSSAI.
6-Jun-2023: Dr Mansukh Mandaviya to release State Food Safety Index on World Food Safety Day
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will release the Sate Food Safety Index, as part of the World Food Safety Day celebrations organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to be held on June 7, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will also witness the participation of Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, and Prof. SP Singh Baghel, Ministers of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) is an annual assessment released by FSSAI. It serves as a tool to propel States and Union Territories (UTs) to enhance their performance and establish robust food safety systems within their jurisdictions.
The event will also include an award ceremony for the winners of the Eat Right Challenge for Districts. The challenge was launched to promote and encourage healthy eating habits, and enhancing the overall food safety and sustainability. In this challenge a total of 260 districts participated and a total of 31 districts have successfully scored 75% and above marks. These districts have demonstrated exemplary efforts in implementing strategies to improve the food environment, and educate communities on food safety.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, as well as the International Year of Millets, the FSSAI envisioned organizing Eat Right Melas Eat Right Walkathons, and Eat Right Millets Melas across the country. These melas serve as platforms to showcase the diversity of cuisines, as well as millet recipes, in the country. In recognition of the outstanding efforts made by states and union territories, FSSAI will be presenting certificates of appreciation to those who have successfully conducted Eat Right Melas/Walkathons or Eat Right Millets Melas in their districts.
In line with the significance of World Food Safety Day, FSSAI has taken momentous strides towards promoting food safety by releasing three comprehensive manuals. The manuals to be released at the event include- The "Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Fish & Fish Products," The "Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Cereal and Cereal Products - 2nd edition," and The "Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Beverages: Tea, Coffee and Chicory".
The Minister will also interact with Scientific panels constituted by FSSAI to underline the government’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making, scientific risk assessment, and the pursuit of food safety standards that safeguard the health and well-being of the populace.
The event will see the participation of distinguished guests, including Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO FSSAI, senior officials from the State Food Safety Departments and Municipal Corporations/Smart City Offices, professionals in food and nutrition, development agencies, food businesses, and other senior officials of FSSAI.
7-Jun-2023: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveils 5th State Food Safety Index on World Food Safety Day
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reaffirmed its dedication to food safety and innovation by organizing an interactive session on June 7th, 2023 (Wednesday) at Vigyan Bhavan, in honor of World Food Safety Day. The event witnessed the participation of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prof S.P. Singh Baghel.
At the event, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the 5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI), which evaluates the performance of states and union territories across six different aspects of food safety. The release of this index coincided with the interactive session. Launched in 2018-19, the SFSI aims to foster healthy competition and catalyze positive change in the food safety ecosystem throughout the country, ultimately ensuring the provision of safe and wholesome food to all residents.
Recognizing the achievements of various states and union territories, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the winners based on their rankings for the year 2022-23. Among the larger states, Kerala secured the top ranking, followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu Among the smaller states, Goa emerged as the leader, followed Manipur and Sikkim Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh secured the first, second, and third ranks respectively among the union territories. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also commended states that demonstrated significant improvement in their State Food Safety Index scores.
Furthermore, the Union Health Minister honored the winners of the Eat Right Challenge for Districts - Phase II. These districts showcased outstanding efforts in implementing plans to improve the food environment and raise awareness about food safety. Remarkably, most of the districts with exceptional results were located in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Out of the 260 participating districts, 31 successfully achieved a score of 75% or higher.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, as well as the International Year of Millets, the FSSAI envisioned organizing Eat Right Millets Melas across the country. These melas serve as platforms to showcase the diversity of cuisines, as well as millet recipes, in the country. In recognition of the outstanding efforts made by states and union territories, certificates of appreciation were presented to those states who have successfully conducted or Eat Right Millets Melas in their districts.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya announced that 25 lakh food business operators will be trained by FSSAI in the next 3 years to ensure that food quality standards are met across the country. He also announced the setting up of 100 Food Streets across the country which meet the quality benchmark for food safety, hygiene, and nutrition. “Food quality is a part of wellness”, Dr Mandaviya remarked.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by the members of the Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels. He emphasized their pivotal role in shaping evidence-based policies and regulations concerning food safety. In this regard he said, “The expertise and recommendations of these esteemed professionals have been instrumental in formulating effective strategies to address emerging challenges and ensure the highest standards of food safety across the nation. This gathering provides a platform for scientific experts to engage in thoughtful discussions and deliberations regarding food safety regulations, as well as the standards-setting process.” In setting food safety standards for the country, the Minister said that we should look at our own traditions, and heritage in terms of diet, lifestyle, seasonality of food products, so we can set our own food standards in the world.
Dr. Mandaviya also unveiled several innovative initiatives by FSSAI, including the Rapid Food Testing Kit (RAFT) portal. This portal aims to streamline the operations of the RAFT Scheme, ensuring transparency and accountability. Applicants can now conveniently apply for approval online, and all steps, from application processing to certificate issuance and renewal, can be carried out electronically. This digitalization promotes a paperless operation of the RAFT scheme, which was launched in 2019 to encourage the adoption of advanced technologies for food testing, screening, and surveillance purposes.
As part of the event, the Union Health Minister released three manuals designed to enhance food safety practices nationwide. These manuals include the Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Fish & Fish Products, Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Cereal and Cereal Products - 2nd edition, and Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Chicory.
These manuals are tailored to align with the latest technological advancements in food analysis, ensuring the safety and quality of food products. Stakeholders in the food industry, including food businesses, regulatory officials, and consumers, will benefit from the valuable guidance provided in these manuals.
Prof. SP Singh Baghel while congratulating the winners said, “Awards not just limited to certificates, but it has a larger impact. It also places greater responsibility on you as you go forward to do something even bigger.” On the importance of food safety, he said, “No matter how remote a place is, it boasts of fast food stalls, hence guaranteeing food safety standards becomes even more important in ensuring the health of our citizens.”
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Aradhana Patnaik, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO FSSAI, Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Advisor (Science & Standards, CODEX), FSSAI, prominent members of the Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels of FSSAI, senior officials from the State Food Safety Departments and Municipal Corporations/Smart City Offices, professionals in food and nutrition, development agencies, food businesses, and other senior officials of FSSAI.
6-Jun-2023: Dr Mansukh Mandaviya to release State Food Safety Index on World Food Safety Day
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will release the Sate Food Safety Index, as part of the World Food Safety Day celebrations organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to be held on June 7, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will also witness the participation of Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, and Prof. SP Singh Baghel, Ministers of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) is an annual assessment released by FSSAI. It serves as a tool to propel States and Union Territories (UTs) to enhance their performance and establish robust food safety systems within their jurisdictions.
The event will also include an award ceremony for the winners of the Eat Right Challenge for Districts. The challenge was launched to promote and encourage healthy eating habits, and enhancing the overall food safety and sustainability. In this challenge a total of 260 districts participated and a total of 31 districts have successfully scored 75% and above marks. These districts have demonstrated exemplary efforts in implementing strategies to improve the food environment, and educate communities on food safety.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, as well as the International Year of Millets, the FSSAI envisioned organizing Eat Right Melas Eat Right Walkathons, and Eat Right Millets Melas across the country. These melas serve as platforms to showcase the diversity of cuisines, as well as millet recipes, in the country. In recognition of the outstanding efforts made by states and union territories, FSSAI will be presenting certificates of appreciation to those who have successfully conducted Eat Right Melas/Walkathons or Eat Right Millets Melas in their districts.
In line with the significance of World Food Safety Day, FSSAI has taken momentous strides towards promoting food safety by releasing three comprehensive manuals. The manuals to be released at the event include- The "Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Fish & Fish Products," The "Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Cereal and Cereal Products - 2nd edition," and The "Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Beverages: Tea, Coffee and Chicory".
The Minister will also interact with Scientific panels constituted by FSSAI to underline the government’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making, scientific risk assessment, and the pursuit of food safety standards that safeguard the health and well-being of the populace.
The event will see the participation of distinguished guests, including Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO FSSAI, senior officials from the State Food Safety Departments and Municipal Corporations/Smart City Offices, professionals in food and nutrition, development agencies, food businesses, and other senior officials of FSSAI.
7-Jun-2022: On the occasion of World Food Safety Day, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya releases 4th State Food Safety Index
In an effort to galvanize States/UTs to work towards ensuring safe food for citizens, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya released Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s 4th State Food Safety Index (SFSI) to measure the performance of States across five parameters of food safety. SFSI was started from 2018-19 with the aim of creating a competitive and positive change in the food safety ecosystem in the country. The index will help in providing safe and nutritious food to our citizens.
Speaking on the occasion of World Food Safety Day, the Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya thanked all the stakeholders and said that such awards help in recognising the efforts taken by people. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that Nation and nutrition are deeply connected and for a Samruddh Bharat, we need a Swasthya Bharat and for a Swasthya Bharat, we need Swasthya Nagrik. He highlighted that in the last few years, healthcare has also seen a holistic development in the country.
Dr. Mandaviya further added that the government is dedicated to ensure health security for every citizen in the country and for this it is focusing on primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare fronts with various initiatives like Health and Wellness Centres and strengthening of district hospitals under the National Health Mission. He praised the crucial role FSSAI plays in ensuring healthy and nutritious food to the citizens of our country. “It is important to note that states have an important role in ensuring food safety and healthy food practices. It is the need of the hour that we come together to ensure a healthy nation”, he further noted.
The Union Health Minister felicitated the winning State/UTs based on the ranking for the year 2021-22 for their impressive performance across parameters. This year, among the larger states, Tamil Nadu was the top ranking state, followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra. Among the smaller states, Goa stood first followed by Manipur and Sikkim. Among UTs, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh secured first, second and third ranks. Dr. Mandaviya also felicitated states which showed significant improvement in the State Food Safety Index.
To motivate Smart Cities to develop and execute a plan that supports a healthy, safe and sustainable food environment through adoption of various Eat Right India initiatives, the Health Minister also felicitated 11 winning smart cities of the EatSmart Cities Challenge, launched by FSSAI last year in association with the Smart Cities Mission under the aegis of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). He also felicitated winners of the Eat Right Research Challenge for Cities and Districts and Eat Right Research Awards and Grants.
Dr Mandaviya further launched various innovative initiatives by FSSAI including the Eat Right Research Awards and Grants – Phase II. Eat Right Creativity Challenge – Phase III, a competition at the school level and logo for Ayurveda Aahar which contains the initials of Ayurveda and Ahara with 5 leaves symbolising five elements of nature. This logo would be beneficial in creating a unique identity, easy identification and proven benefits to improve health and wellbeing.
Further, the Union Health Minister also released various ebooks that advocate and capture innovative recipes about oil free cooking and sugarless desserts. He also launched various resource books including Khadyanjali, a quarterly magazine published by the Rajbhasha Division of FSSAI; Guidance Document on Food Borne Disease Outbreak Investigation and Microbiological Process Control, Sampling and Testing of Fish and Fishery Products etc.
Encouraging the participants and congratulating them on the occasion of World Food Safety Day, Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, said that to prevent burden from food borne diseases and to ensure food safety, a multifaceted and multi stakeholder approach involving industries, government machinery, regulators etc. is required and awareness must be created at each level of the society. Shri Arun Singhal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), FSSAI said that food testing paradigm in the country is being improved in mission mode and Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with States/UTs, to carefully see the food safety implementation in their respective areas.
Shri Rajeev Kumar Jain, Executive Director and other dignitaries from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Senior officials from the State Food Safety Departments and Municipal Corporations/ Smart City Offices; Professionals in food and nutrition, Development agencies, food businesses and other stakeholders were also present at the event.
