5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI)
On June 7th, 2023, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) organized an interactive session at Vigyan Bhavan to commemorate World Food Safety Day. The event highlighted the FSSAI’s commitment to food safety and innovation. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, and Prof S.P. Singh Baghel, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, were present at the event.
During the session, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the 5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI), which assesses the performance of states and union territories on six different aspects of food safety. The release of the index coincided with the interactive session.
About State Food Safety Index (SFSI)
The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) is an annual ranking of states and union territories in India on the basis of their performance in food safety.
- The index is developed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- Introduced in 2018-19, the SFSI aims to encourage healthy competition and drive positive transformations in the food safety ecosystem across the country.
- Its ultimate goal is to ensure the provision of safe and nutritious food to all individuals.
- It can help to identify areas where states and union territories need to improve their food safety performance, and it can also help to track progress over time.
- The SFSI is also a valuable tool for stakeholders, such as food businesses, consumers, and the media, to understand the food safety landscape in India.
5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI)
During the interactive session, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya acknowledged and honored the accomplishments of various states and union territories based on their rankings for the year 2022-23.
- Among the larger states, Kerala achieved the top position, followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
- In the category of smaller states, Goa emerged as the leader, with Manipur and Sikkim securing the second and third positions respectively.
- In the union territories category, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, and Chandigarh claimed the first, second, and third ranks respectively.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also applauded states that exhibited significant improvement in their State Food Safety Index scores, recognizing their dedication to enhancing food safety standards.
Key Highlights of the Event
Winners of the Eat Right Challenge for Districts – Phase II felicitated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
- As part of the event, the Union Health Minister honored the winners of the Eat Right Challenge for Districts – Phase II.
- These districts were recognized for their remarkable achievements in implementing effective strategies to enhance the food environment and promote food safety awareness.
- Notably, a majority of the districts that excelled in the challenge were located in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Out of the 260 districts that participated in the challenge, 31 districts successfully attained a score of 75% or higher, highlighting their dedication and commitment to fostering healthier food practices within their communities.
International Year of Millets
- To mark the momentous occasion of India’s 75th Independence anniversary and celebrate the International Year of Millets, the FSSAI planned the organization of Eat Right Millets Melas throughout the country.
- These melas provide a platform to showcase the rich diversity of cuisines and millet-based recipes in India.
- As a token of recognition for the exceptional endeavors of states and union territories, certificates of appreciation were bestowed upon those who successfully organized Eat Right Millets Melas in their respective districts.
- This gesture acknowledged their significant contributions in promoting millets and encouraging healthy and nutritious food choices.
25 lakh food business operators will be trained by FSSAI in the next 3 years
- During the event, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya made important announcements regarding the commitment of FSSAI towards ensuring food quality standards in the country.
- He declared that FSSAI aims to train 25 lakh food business operators within the next three years to enhance their understanding of food safety measures.
- This initiative will contribute to maintaining high-quality standards throughout the food industry.
- Additionally, Dr. Mandaviya unveiled plans for the establishment of 100 Food Streets across the nation.
- These Food Streets will adhere to stringent benchmarks for food safety, hygiene, and nutrition.
- By creating these designated areas, FSSAI intends to provide consumers with access to trustworthy and reliable food options.
- Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that ensuring food quality is an integral part of overall wellness, promoting the well-being of individuals and communities.
Rapid Food Testing Kit (RAFT) portal
During the event, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the Rapid Food Testing Kit (RAFT) portal as part of FSSAI’s innovative initiatives.
- The RAFT portal is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the RAFT Scheme by digitizing its processes.
- This online platform enables applicants to easily apply for approval, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.
- The entire process, from application processing to certificate issuance and renewal, can now be completed electronically.
- The RAFT scheme was initially launched in 2019 to promote the adoption of advanced technologies for food testing, screening, and surveillance.
- The introduction of the RAFT portal further strengthens the scheme by streamlining operations and ensuring transparency and accountability in the approval process.
- By embracing digitalization, FSSAI aims to enhance the overall functioning of the scheme and facilitate a smoother experience for applicants.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya released three manuals designed to enhance food safety practices nationwide
- Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Fish & Fish Products
- Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Cereal and Cereal Products – 2nd edition
- Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Chicory
The manuals developed by FSSAI are designed to provide valuable guidance to stakeholders in the food industry, including food businesses, regulatory officials, and consumers. These manuals are tailored to align with the latest technological advancements in food analysis, ensuring that the safety and quality of food products are maintained at the highest standards.
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