Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether all the samples collected to detect adulteration are not analysed;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of samples collected to detect adulteration during the last three years, State-wise along with the number of samples out of these collected samples not analysed;
(d) the reasons for not analysing all the said collected samples; and
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(e) the reaction of the Government thereto?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (e): The enforcement of Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006, Rules and Regulations made thereunder primarily lies with the State/UT Governments. In all cases where food samples are collected for regulatory purposes, the samples are sent to respective Food Analysts for analysis as per provisions of FSS Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. In most of the cases, Food Analysts do analyze these samples. However, in some cases where Food Analysts find that the samples sent to them are not fit for analysis due to various reasons like improper storage, improper sealing, damaged during transit etc., they inform in writing to the concerned Designated Officer/Food Safety Officer about reasons for not analysing a particular food sample.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs to periodically take effective steps for ensuring compliance of the prescribed standards of food items for making available safe and wholesome food to the consumers.
Regular surveillance, inspection and sampling of food products are being done by the Food Safety Officials in the States/UTs to check the compliance of the provisions of FSS Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. The information on food samples received from States/UTs for the last three years are enclosed at Annexure-I, II and III respectively.