(a) whether the average score of all the states in the latest ‘State Food Safety Index’ has been on the decline during the last four years;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken or proposed to take any measure to improve the food safety; and
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)
(a) to (e): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed that they have been releasing the “State Food Safety Index” on the performance of States and Union Terroritories in food safety since the year 2018-19. The parameters to evaluate the performance include human resources; regulatory compliance; food testing infrastructure; training and capacity building; and consumer empowerment. The year wise “State Food Safety Index” report is available at https://www.fssai.gov.in/cms/foodsafetyindex.php.
FSSAI has observed that while comparing the State Food Safety Index Score in 2021-22 with the score in the year 2018-19, some States namely, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand,Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand etc. have fared better while some States including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Mizoram etc. have registered a dip in their score.
The implementation and enforcement of Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006,
Rules and Regulations primarily lies with the State/UT Governments. Regular surveillance,
monitoring, inspection and sampling of food products are carried out by Food Safety Officers of States/UTs and penal action is taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators
(FBOs) as per the provisions of FSS Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations.
FSSAI has provided technical and financial assistance to States/UTs for strengthening of Food Safety eco-system under MoUs. The performance of States/UTs towards improving Food Safety Eco-system is monitored quarterly through meetings of Central Advisory Committee, Video Conferencing and States'' visits. Further, FSSAI advises Commissioners of Food Safety of States/UTs to carry out targeted enforcement and surveillance drive to check compliance of food products including soft drinks.
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