The 44th CAC meeting of FSSAI laid emphasis on strengthening food safety infrastructure and curbing the use of pesticides
The 44th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) was held by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on August 22, 2024 (Thursday) and August 23, 2024 (Friday) under the chairmanship of CEO Shri G Kamala Vardhan Rao.
It was proposed to the CEO of FSSAI that each state would set up this inter-ministerial committee, which would focus on reducing pesticide use, implementing control measures and developing strategies to monitor and control pesticide application at the farmer level. The aim of the initiative is to ensure that the agricultural system is safe and sustainable so as to protect the consumer from the potential health hazards associated with pesticide residues in the diet.
Rao stressed on the need for inter-state zonal council meetings, emphasis on filling up of vacant posts of Food Safety Officer (FSO) and Daisignate Officer (DO) and its immediate improvement
He also emphasised that there is a need to identify key locations among the states where mobile lab Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) can be deployed.
He also emphasised that there is a need to identify key locations among the states where mobile lab Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) can be deployed. These mobile labs will help in increasing consumer awareness and disseminating important information about food safety practices. FSW vans equipped with testing equipment and rapid kits quickly assess the quality and safety standards of food in accordance with food safety and standards regulations. The results are available within a few hours, which enables immediate corrective measures to be taken to ensure the safety of food products for public consumption.
The CEO of FSSAI concluded with the new commitment of all stakeholders to work together towards ensuring that food safety remains a top priority, which reflects the collective efforts to provide safe and nutritious food to consumers across the country.
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