In a bid to ensure its commitment to curb and maintain the integrity of the food supply chain in India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have come up with three new initiatives to tackle the rising concerns around food adulteration across the country. With reports and random inspections highlighting the seriousness of the issue concerning public health and safety, the regulatory body came up with these endeavours to detect and control said challenges early on before the food products reach the consumer.
To avoid the contamination of food, the regulatory body has come up with a Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test (DART) Book – where the guide will help consumers to spot low quality food products on a micro level. Containing 50 quick tests for regularly consumed items like milk, oil, spices and sugar, the handbook also includes detailed instructions and pictorial representations on what to expect while conducting these safety tests. With the aim to increase awareness in food safety and enhance surveillance, the initiative hopes to empower consumers and allow them to experience first-hand the telling signs of the authenticity of a product.
In addition to this, the FSSAI has also launched mobile food testing labs called Food Safety on Wheels (FSW), that will be able to facilitate on-the-spot quality testing for food products. The vehicles, equipped with all the necessary apparatus and infrastructure are meant to travel to public gatherings, schools, remote areas and consumer organisations in order to perform quick tests on sweets, milk, ghee and spices that are used commonly in cooking.
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To zero down on the food quality issues further, another initiative with a special focus on school children has been put into motion. Known as Food Safety Magic Box, the testing kit will contain a guide book for students to perform easy tests to detect contamination of any kind as well as shape responsible consumer behaviour from an early age.