As part of three day official visit to the UT of J&K, Chairperson Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Rita Teaotia, in presence of CEO, FSSAI Arun Singhal, today chaired a meeting of Officers of Drug & Food Control Department, J&K and representatives of various Associations dealing with Food Business viz. CII, PHD Chapter, CCA, CTI and Retail Association, here at Udhyog Bhawan.The meeting was attended by Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, Shakeel Ul Rehman; Head RCD, FSSAI, R.K Mittal; Director FSSAI Northern Region, Rajesh Singh and other senior officers of the department and Presidents of different Associations.In her initial remarks, the Chairperson congratulated the Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K and the department for excellent work and attaining 1st position in the State Food Safety Index 2020-21.The Commissioner, FDA, gave a detailed presentation about various activities undertaken in the UT for implementation of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, viz. Inspections, Sampling, Prosecutions, Training and Awareness programs.The Presidents of different Associations projected various issues regarding compliance of the provisions of the Act, especially with respect to the frequent changes in the labeling regulations and timelines.
The members of Associations appreciated the efforts of the enforcement/regulatory officers for handholding in ease of doing business. They stressed that the Awareness and Education of the Food Business Operators (FBOs) by the Department needs to be taken on priority so that they may be able to understand the compliance provisions and their responsibilities.The CEO FSSAI keenly listened to the grievances of the Associations affiliated with Food Business and asked them to come forward for taking up various schemes of FSSAI viz. Hygiene Rating, Food Fortification, Blissful and Hygienic Offering to God (BHOG), etc. He acknowledged the FBOs and the Department in taking forward the vision of the Prime Minister on Food Fortification.Among others, the meeting was attended by Rahul Sahai, President PHD, Chamber and Commerce; Yashpal Gupta, President Retail Association; Arun Gupta, President, Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Ramesh Gulati, President CII and Sanjeev Puri Ex-Chairman Chamber of Industries and Commerce, Jammu.Later, the Dignitaries from FSSAI were presented Mementos by the Commissioner, FDA. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks with the participants acknowledging the fact that Food Safety is a shared responsibility and every stakeholder needs to play his/her part to build a safe food ecosystem in the country.