JP Nadda Stresses Crucial Role of Food Regulators in Consumer Health
Friday, 20 September 2024, 14:17 IST
As global challenges like foodborne illnesses, nutraceutical safety, novel foods, and microplastics continue to rise, the role of food regulators has become increasingly vital, said Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda. Inaugurating the second edition of the ‘Global Food Regulators Summit 2024’, the minister emphasized the need for continuous collaboration, innovation, and improvement in food safety systems.
'Food safety standards must be harmonized with international benchmarks', Nadda stated. He highlighted the government's ongoing efforts, including the development of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2.0 and aligning pesticide residue limits with Codex standards to bolster India's position in global trade.
Nadda also noted India's initiatives in strengthening regulatory capacities in neighboring countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, reflecting the country's commitment to improving food safety across the region.
The minister further stressed India’s efforts to tackle plastic waste, focusing on alternative measures like organic farming and organic pest control to curb environmental hazards.
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, praised the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for organizing the summit for the second consecutive year. Joshi highlighted the importance of collaboration between food regulators, research organizations, and consumer affairs departments in driving innovation, ensuring that policies address both consumer protection and environmental sustainability.
Joshi underscored that food security is not just about availability but also the quality and safety of the food consumed. He pointed to several key government initiatives, including the ‘Eat Right’ campaign, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, and the promotion of millets as significant steps toward ensuring safe and nutritious food for all citizens.
“The government’s primary duty is to set regulatory standards, and it is the responsibility of FSSAI and our department to ensure that safe food reaches the people”, Joshi remarked.
Experts at the summit also discussedthe potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in strengthening the food regulatory system, offering innovative solutions to enhance safety standards.
Delegates from over 70 countries, including food safety regulators, risk assessment authorities, research institutes, and universities, participated in the summit, making it a platform for sharing best practices and advancing global food safety efforts.
'Food safety standards must be harmonized with international benchmarks', Nadda stated. He highlighted the government's ongoing efforts, including the development of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2.0 and aligning pesticide residue limits with Codex standards to bolster India's position in global trade.
Nadda also noted India's initiatives in strengthening regulatory capacities in neighboring countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, reflecting the country's commitment to improving food safety across the region.
The minister further stressed India’s efforts to tackle plastic waste, focusing on alternative measures like organic farming and organic pest control to curb environmental hazards.
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, praised the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for organizing the summit for the second consecutive year. Joshi highlighted the importance of collaboration between food regulators, research organizations, and consumer affairs departments in driving innovation, ensuring that policies address both consumer protection and environmental sustainability.
Joshi underscored that food security is not just about availability but also the quality and safety of the food consumed. He pointed to several key government initiatives, including the ‘Eat Right’ campaign, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, and the promotion of millets as significant steps toward ensuring safe and nutritious food for all citizens.
“The government’s primary duty is to set regulatory standards, and it is the responsibility of FSSAI and our department to ensure that safe food reaches the people”, Joshi remarked.
Experts at the summit also discussedthe potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in strengthening the food regulatory system, offering innovative solutions to enhance safety standards.
Delegates from over 70 countries, including food safety regulators, risk assessment authorities, research institutes, and universities, participated in the summit, making it a platform for sharing best practices and advancing global food safety efforts.
