Excerpt from Economic Times Article – Published on Sep26, 2023
In anticipation of the fast-approaching festive season, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) orchestrated a pivotal meeting with Indian sweets manufacturers on September 25. Attended by over 150 food business operators and representatives from sweet manufacturing associations across the country, the gathering aimed to underscore the critical importance of adherence to safety and quality standards for edibles and raw materials.
At the heart of the discussion was a comprehensive strategy to sensitize the entire ecosystem involved in the production and distribution of high-risk perishable edibles. The emphasis extended across various touchpoints, including manufacturing, storage, distribution, and point of sale, ensuring a holistic approach to maintaining food safety.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the vulnerability of raw materials, particularly milk and milk products like Khoa, Paneer, and Ghee, to adulteration and contamination during the heightened consumption period. Food business operators were strongly advised to focus on rigorous testing and to procure raw materials exclusively from vendors registered or licensed by FSSAI.
FSSAI, in collaboration with the food industry, stressed the need for stringent monitoring of oil quality during the frying process, aligning with FSS regulations. Furthermore, a call to action was sounded to ensure safe display practices for loose sweets and discourage outdoor cooking practices, which pose risks to food safety due to exposure to environmental contaminants.
The meeting culminated with a unified appeal to all stakeholders, urging them to collectively uphold their commitment to producing safe and quality sweets, especially during the festive season. This concerted effort underscores FSSAI’s unwavering dedication to preserving public health by championing and enforcing food safety standards within the Indian sweets industry. As the festive season approaches, this collaborative initiative seeks to ensure a joyous and safe celebration for consumers across the nation.
To delve deeper into this topic, please read the full article in the Economic Times.
