The Government of India has decided to add on more power to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The revamping will include extending the jurisdiction of FSSAI over animal feed, stricter penalties for violations and simplifying processes.
The new Food Safety and Standards (Amendment) Bill 2020 framed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare will have 70 amendments in the 2006 act. So far the regulatory body has its power over the food industry. With the amendments the animal feed industry will be brought under the regulation of FSSAI.
Apart from animal feed industry, the amendment will specify standards for food packaging material. The food packaging material has been mentioned as “food contact material” in the bill.
The amendment proposal also includes appointment of a Chief Executive Officer at FSSAI. The person will act as the member secretary to supervise the functions. However, the role is yet to be defined. Another important amendment proposed is the scrapping the selection committee’s role in appointing the members. Previously, the chairperson and members were selected by the Centre on recommendations of the selection committee.
Along with these features, the amendment will also see simplification of processes regarding serving notices to food business operators, restaurants etc.
Recently FSSAI banned the blending of Mustard oil with other oils. Read about it in details here.
