The Indian government's proposed overhaul of food safety certifications, placing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at the helm, has triggered discussions within the industry and consumer groups. The plan, currently under public consultation, aims to eliminate duplications and establish "One Nation, One Commodity, One Regulator" for food safety.
Currently, navigating the maze of mandatory certifications from FSSAI and other bodies like BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) or AGMARK proves daunting for food businesses, leading to delays and increased costs. The proposed amendments envision eliminating these duplications, directing all safety and quality assessments solely through FSSAI standards.
Industry bodies have expressed guarded optimism about the simplification. While acknowledging the potential benefits of reduced compliance burden and faster product launches, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) urges caution. Their statement emphasizes the need for robust enforcement mechanisms within FSSAI and careful consideration of the impact on existing certification bodies and their employees.
Consumer groups echo similar concerns. The Consumer Protection Forum welcomes the potential for enhanced transparency and consumer trust through FSSAI standardization, but emphasizes the importance of consistent enforcement across the country.
Experts foresee potential benefits if implemented seamlessly. Reduced compliance burdens could encourage innovation and expedite product launches, according to food law expert Mr. Verma. However, he underlines the critical need to maintain consistent quality standards across diverse regional contexts.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, responsible for the reforms, assures stakeholders that their concerns will be addressed during the consultation process. Their statement affirms their commitment to finding a balance between streamlining regulations and ensuring rigorous food safety measures. Public consultations are expected to guide the finalization of the amendments, anticipated within the next few months.
The proposed FSSAI reforms represent a significant step towards simplifying the food regulatory landscape in India. While potential benefits for both businesses and consumers exist, careful consideration of enforcement mechanisms, the impact on existing systems, and regional variations remains crucial for successful implementation.
