(a) whether the food processing industry in the country not complying with international standards;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to set up an authority to examine the functioning of food processing industries; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) & (b): No Sir, the food laws in India prescribes various
conditions for food processing industries which include
sanitation and hygiene, adequate infrastructural facilities,
use of potable water for food processing, quality standards,
measures for prevention of adulteration, etc. Besides,
inspection of food processing industries at regular
intervals has also been prescribed under these laws, which
is done at periodical intervals by enforcement agencies
under these laws. Wherever deviations are observed,
penal/legal actions are taken against the defaulters as per
relevant provisions under these laws.
The standards prescribed from time to time for various
commodities of food under various laws take into account the
international standards.
(c) & (d): In order to enforce food related laws in the
country, the government has established Food Safety &
Standards Authority of India with a mandate to lay down
science based standards for articles of food and to regulate
their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import,
to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human
consumption and for matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto under the provisions of Food Safety and
Standards Act 2006, which is under various stages of
implementation.