Question : Food Safety Mitra

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has recently launched the Food Safety Mitra (FSM) scheme for strengthening and scaling up ‘Eat Right India’ movement;

(b) if so, the details and salient features thereof along with the mechanism to measure the outcome/achievement of its objective/goals;

(c) whether the State Governments have any role in the implementation of this scheme, if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of funds sanctioned and utilized so far under this scheme, State/ UT-wise; and

(e) whether the Government monitors the relative effectiveness of Health Food supplements and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b): Yes, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced Food Safety Mitra (FSM) Scheme which comprises of Digital Mitra to facilitate Food Business Operator (FBO)’s in using online platforms of FSSAI, Trainer Mitra to impart training to Food businesses, and Hygiene Mitra for hygine rating of restaurants and establishments. Food Safety Mitra is an individual professional certified by FSSAI who assists Food Business Operators in compliance related to Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. It is a voluntary scheme to enable better compliance by FBOs and facilitate ease of doing business. Food Safety Mitras will be trained by FSSAI and also the details regarding eligibility, training content, code of conduct, fee structure are available on website https://fssai.gov.in/food safetymitra/. The Scheme is expected to increase number of licensed/registered FBOs, number of trained Food Safety Supervisors and in number of restaurants obtaining hygiene rating and the outcome would be measured accordingly.
(c): FSSAI has requested the Commissioner of Food Safety of States/UTs to give wide publicity to Food Safety Mitra Scheme to promote the enrolment of motivated individuals.
(d): No separate fund is allocated to States/UTs under Food Safety Mitra (FSM) Scheme. The fee payable to FSMs would be borne by the FBOs.
(e): FSSAI has notified Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016, which, inter-alia, contain standards to regulate manufacture, sale and import of these products in India. State/UT Governments are primarily responsible for implementation of provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules and Regulations made thereunder .
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