NEW DELHI: Unsafe food is a grave concern, leading to a staggering 600 million infections and causing 4.2 lakh deaths annually, said G Kamala Vardhana Rao, the chief executive of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
This alarming revelation was disclosed during the inaugural Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 in New Delhi. The summit's primary objective is to establish a global platform for food regulators to exchange perspectives on enhancing food safety systems and regulatory frameworks throughout the food value chain.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who was present at the event, emphasized the symbiotic relationship between safe food and good health. He highlighted that balanced, safe, and nutritious food plays a vital role in preventive care, ensuring overall health and wellness. The minister stressed the need to delve deep into matters concerning food grains, food safety, and food security to drive global sustainable development. He also pointed out that due to diverse agro-climatic conditions in different regions, a one-size-fits-all approach to food safety protocols is not feasible. Instead, it is crucial to explore how regional diversities can be incorporated into global best practices.
Mandaviya urged all participating nations to collaborate and collectively address the global problem of food shortage, seeking joint solutions.
In a video message, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, emphasized the collective responsibility of ensuring universal access to safe and nutritious food for all.
During the event, Food-o-Copoeia, an online guide prepared by global food regulators, was launched. This comprehensive guide captures all the necessary requirements related to quality, safety, labeling, claims, documents, regulations, and prohibitions for specific food products. Additionally, a common digital dashboard platform for food regulators was unveiled, aiming to enhance coordination and information sharing among regulators worldwide.
Read More Mandaviya Inaugurates First-Ever Global Food Regulators Summit 2023