New Delhi: The festive season brings a burst of activity to markets. The consumption of sweets and food items increases manifold during Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Diwali. During this time, the risk of adulteration and poor quality is also highest. Keeping this in mind, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a special campaign in September and October.
FSSAI has directed the Food Commissioners of all states and union territories, as well as all regional directors of FSSAI, to conduct special monitoring and enforcement campaigns during the festive period. A senior official told ETV Bharat that a special festive campaign is being launched during September and October to ensure food safety, quality, and prevention of adulteration.
In a letter to the Food Commissioners of all states and union territories, the FSSAI stated that with the onset of the festive season, there is a significant increase in demand for sweets, snacks, and milk and milk products (such as ghee, khoya, paneer, etc.) across the country. According to the FSSAI, these campaigns may be specifically focused on identified hot spots and sensitive locations within their jurisdiction.
The letter, signed by Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda, Executive Director, Quality and Assurance Department, states, “This seasonal surge often creates economic incentives for adulteration, posing a serious threat to public health and eroding consumer confidence. To address this concern and protect public health, special surveillance and/or enforcement campaigns are requested during festivals.”
The food regulator also stated that it should be ensured that, wherever available, Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs) can be strategically deployed in key market locations and/or facilitate on-the-spot testing based on specific intelligence. Vigilance can be strengthened. Awareness can be created, and consumer confidence can be increased by assuring them of safe and quality food products during the festive season.
FSSAI has decided to launch a nationwide enforcement drive on spices in October. Black pepper powder, whole black pepper, cardamom powder, whole cardamom, chili powder, whole chili, whole cinnamon (dalchini), coriander powder, whole coriander, cumin powder, whole cumin, turmeric powder, and whole turmeric will be monitored.
A letter issued by FSSAI states, “The Food Safety Commissioners of States/Union Territories and Regional Directors of FSSAI are requested to conduct enforcement drives on spices to check compliance with the prescribed standards, including labeling requirements, in their respective jurisdictions. Inspection and sampling of the above spices should be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the FSS Act, rules and regulations made thereunder.”
What is FSSAI? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body of the Government of India, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Its primary function is to ensure the quality and safety of food in the country. It conducts inspections and sampling to ensure that consumers have access to safe, hygienic, and nutritious food.
