Testing: Critical for Ensuring Food Safety
Why is Food Testing Necessary?
To ensure availability of safe and hygienic food to consumers, effective food testing measures are vital at every necessary step throughout the food value chain. The objective of food testing is to ensure that the food is free from the below mentioned hazards:
- Biological hazards:Derived from microbial hazards such as salmonella and E. coli bacteria.
- Chemical hazards:Contamination with chemicals used in agriculture and/or production processes such as antibiotics, pesticides, as well as food additives such as preservatives, and including chemicals that are used in the production/processing and cleaning agents for equipment and machinery.
- Physical hazards:Any extraneous objects in food that can cause illness or injury to the consumer such as glass, pieces of metal, plastic or wood, etc.
Measures to Improve Food Testing
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), an apex food regulator, has been continuously working towards improving the food testing ecosystem in the country. Two well established and fully equipped laboratories are supported by FSSAI in Delhi-NCR and Kolkata. They have a significant number of State Food Laboratories as well as NABL accredited private labs with a network of almost 190 notified food testing laboratories.
For improving the food testing infrastructure in the country, FSSAI is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for “Strengthening of the Food Testing Ecosystem” in the Country with a total outlay of Rs. 481.95 Cr that includes provisioning of modern testing equipment in State Food Laboratories across the country as well as allocating Mobile Food Testing Labs and other related measures. To ensure quality and consistency of results from participating food laboratories, FSSAI has recognised food labs as per ISO 17025/2017 only through NABL under integrated assessment system. These labs are being monitored by NABL through audits, verification and other periodical desktop surveillance audit, reassessment and renewal of accreditation.
Schemes for Rapid Food Testing
- FSSAI has introduced a scheme for approving rapid analytical food testing (RAFT) devices/kits/methods. Several recent rapid and automated kits/equipment/ methods are commercially available globally to bridge the gap for rapid detection of food borne contaminants etc. and instantaneous, on-line monitoring to ensure the safety of food products.
- To further reduce the screening time of food products by Food Safety Officers (FSO) at the field level and accelerate surveillance activities, FSSAI has come up with a policy for fast track approval of rapid food testing kits/devices.The ultimate goal for these rapid testing devices and equipments is to provide results within a few hours, if not in “real time”. RAFT kits are most advanced, easy to use, portable hand-held devices. The tests can be performed anywhere by anyone without any specific training requirements.
- Recently, an indigenous RAFT kit – Precision Iodine Value Analyzer (PIVA) has been developed by CSIR along with Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO). This home grown kit can determine the Iodine Value (degree of unsaturation) measurement in edible oils and fats in a faster, better, and cheaper way.
- FSSAI has approved 65 rapid food testing kits/devices so far to ensure faster, better and cheaper real-time testing of food even at the field level, thus assuring safe and good quality of food while raising the bar for food safety in the country.
- To facilitate on the spot testing of adulteration in common food items, FSSAI has provided 153 mobile food testing laboratories called Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs) to the States/ UTs to add to the food testing infrastructure in the country. Any consumer can visit these FSWs and test the quality of food products. These units help the functionaries in the States to enhance their outreach and conduct surveillance activities even in far-flung areas. Most of these FSWs are being utilised by States effectively and efficiently.
- For awareness among consumers about common food adulterants, FSSAI has published DART (Detecting Adulterants with Rapid Testing)book that enables a consumer to test common adulterants in food products at home. DART can be used as a ready guide for households, which can induce awareness among consumers about food safety.
- A mandatory training programme covering Good Food Laboratory Practices (GFLP) is meant for all the personnel of laboratories under the purview of FSSAI. This five-day training is conducted at the premises of the state-of-the-art laboratory at Ghaziabad and/or notified laboratories having testing facilities for safety parameters (microbiological, pesticide and heavy metals) in Chemical and biological fields as per the NABL Scope.
Food testing is an important part of the food safety ecosystem. It helps in determining any risk that is associated with the food products and builds confidence in consumers that the food available for consumption is safe and hygienic. FSSAI aims to keep the confidence of consumers intact and continues to build a more robust food safety ecosystem in the country to ensure effective food safety as well as credible food testing measures at every level.
All Editorials
Unmasking Air Pollution’s Impact on Pulmonary Health
Over the past few decades, air pollution and climate change have become major global concerns. Air pollution has many detrimental effects that pose a threat to global public health in terms of significant disease burden as well as mortality. It is disturbing that...
Cracking Cheese Codes: Healthy Choices, Labels, and Storage Tips
Cheese is a creamy, tangy, versatile delight that can elevate any dish and melt our hearts and taste buds in seconds. However, it is often thought to have negative effects on our health. With a little mindfulness, you can make healthier choices when it comes to this...
Navigating Consumer Challenges in India: Implementing Effective Measures
In the diverse and vibrant landscape of India, consumer-related issues have emerged as a critical facet of daily life. As the nation progresses economically and the consumer market expands, individuals face a range of challenges that demand attention and proactive...
Navigating AI Influence: Consumer Caution Ahead
In the modern digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful force influencing consumer decisions. AI algorithms leverage vast data to grasp consumer behaviour and preferences, fuelling personalized recommendations and targeted advertising. In the realm...
Navigating the Web: A Consumer’s defence Against Dark Patterns
Consumers are finding themselves in a wide online landscape in an era of digital convenience. Although there are many advantages of the internet, it is important to stay vigilant against such practices commonly referred to as dark patterns. These subtle design choices...
Portion Smart: Eating Foods, the Right Way
Imagine a bag of chips. The label might list a serving size as 28 grams, but let's be honest, who stops at just that? That's where portion size comes in. It's the amount of food you choose to eat, which can be more or less than a serving size. Think of a serving size...
A continuous surge in antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the 21st-century global public health problem. AMR occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to antimicrobial medicines. Because of the high rate of antibiotic overuse that leads to...
NutriBars Decoded: Making Informed Choices
As I navigated the bustling supermarket aisles, my attention was drawn to the vibrant array of NutriBars lining the shelves. Each bar boasted enticing claims, from "high protein" to "low sugar”, but the sheer variety and conflicting messages left me feeling...
Empowering Consumers: Navigating the Digital Age and Celebrating Consumer Rights on National Consumer Day
National Consumer Day is observed annually on December 24th in India, marking the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It emphasizes awareness of consumer rights, responsibilities, and the significance of protection. The Act was a pivotal step in...
Food Contact Materials and Your Health: Tips for a Safer Approach
Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a strong advisory urging both consumers and food vendors to refrain from using newspapers in any capacity related to packing, serving, or storing food items. The FSSAI emphasized the potential...
Unlocking Minds: Understanding the core of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, primarily affects memory and cognitive function. It is the most common cause of dementia, gradually impairing daily life. Research aims to understand its complex pathology and develop effective treatments...
World Diabetes Day 14 th Nov, 2023 – Access to Diabetes Care
Authors: - Dr. Pankaj Bhardwaj (Dr Pankaj Bhardwaj, Academic Head, School of Public Health (SPH), Professor of Community Medicine & Family Medicine All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur and Dr. Madhukar Mittal (Additional Professor and Head,...
Revitalizing Millet Consumption: Shifting Focus from ‘Big Food’ to Government Schemes and Local Outlets
Shifting away from dependence on the 'Big Food' industry to boost millet production and consumption, policies should emphasize integrating millets into government food schemes. Highlighting the limitations of Production Linked Incentives in realizing millets'...
The Emerging Crisis of Antibiotic Resistance
One of the greatest medical discoveries of the 20th century, antibiotics have saved countless lives by efficiently treating bacterial infections around the globe. However, the overuse and abuse of antibiotics have given rise to a formidable adversary, antibiotic...
The Significance of IRR in Investment
Shri Sharad Ranjan and Shri Hariti Tyagi The BackstoryThe relationship manager of a well-established bank reached out to my daughter, who is in the beginning of her twenties, and proposed an investment plan. The investment plan, according to him, is the best...
Sabudana Unveiled: The Tapioca Tale and Beyond
Sabudana holds a special place in the hearts and traditions of millions. These small, translucent globules have become synonymous with fasting seasons in India, particularly during religious festivals like Navratri, Shivaratri, Ekadashi, and Saawan season. During...
Recurrent pregnancy loss
With an increasing number of affected couples, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has become a widespread reproductive health problem. Clinically, it is defined as the loss of three or more pregnancies before the foetus reaches viability. It affects approximately 3...
From Grain to Gain: Mastering the Art of Aata Selection
Are you aware of what goes into that essential ingredient that forms the foundation of countless Indian meals? Yes, we're talking about aata, the versatile flour that brings us the beloved rotis, chapatis, and parathas. But have you ever stopped to consider the...
Are freebies good for economic health and can they empower the poor?
Does India need freebies from the government to survive? What is now popularly called the ‘freebie politics’ has its own economic implications. As the proverb goes there are no free lunches, freebies in the form of free units of power can be detrimental for the...
DNA Fingerprinting: A key to know your ancestry
A new field of study was opened in 1984 when Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys generated the first genetic fingerprint in his lab at the University of Leicester. Talking about his discovery, Sir Alec said, "My life changed on Monday morning at 9.05 am, 10 September 1984....
Decoding the Secrets of Buying the Best Saffron
Did you know that saffron is one of the most expensive spices of the world? It is used in a variety of dishes in India. Its application extends to traditional medicine and cosmetics as well. Also, saffron is an important part of many religious ceremonies in India,...
Rise and decline of the Consumer Movement in India
The consumer movement is an organised social movement that promotes consumer protection and is often led by consumer organisations. It argues for consumer rights, particularly when those rights are actively violated by the activities of corporations, governments, and...
वॉयस की 40वीं सालगिरह
उपभोक्ता शिक्षा और जागरूकता में 40 वर्षों से काम कर रही है कंस्यूमर वॉयस कंस्यूमर वॉयस लगातार 40 वर्षों से उपभोक्ता शिक्षा और जागरूकता के क्षेत्र में संघर्षरत एक स्वयंसेवी संस्था है। वॉयस लगातार भारत में उपभोक्ताओं के लिए उनके उपभोक्ता अधिकारों के संघर्ष कर रही है।...
40 years of VOICE – The Beginning
There is no particular date on which we launched VOICE in April 1983 at the Delhi School of Economics campus at Delhi University. There was no launch ceremony or event. It was born out of the drafting of a complaint by VOICE signed by me and about 30 of my students....
Buttermilk: A Refreshing Summer Drink
Buttermilk is an excellent summer beverage that is not only refreshing and delicious, but also good for your health. Buttermilk has numerous benefits, including being low in calories and fat, high in protein and calcium, and containing probiotics which can help...
Women’s Health and Nutritional Needs
Every year we observe March 8 as International Women’s Day. According to the Unite Nations, the purpose of this day is to uphold women's achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women's rights and gender equality. The state of women's health...
Makhana: A Superfood for Sure!
Makhana, also known as Foxnut, is a widely consumed snack during fasting in India. It is becoming a popular snack among health-conscious consumers due to its healthier nutrient. Makhana is mixed with different seasoning and flavouring substances, and a range of ready...
Maltodextrin: What is it?
If you go through food labels, you must have come across maltodextrin in the ingredient list. It is a commonly used ingredient in processed packaged foods. Maltodextrin has several applications in the food industry, has some health benefits but it has also been...
Gut Microbiota and Nutrition
Human gut is home to many species of microbes, collectively referred as ‘gut microbiota’. They can be both symbiotic and pathogenic in nature, coexisting together without causing any trouble. Sometimes this balance could be disturbed due to infectious illnesses,...
Choosing Quality Eggs
Eggs are one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods. They are rich in essential micronutrients and provide high-quality protein. There are innumerable benefits of eating eggs regularly. Selection of eggs is simple, but presence of different varieties of eggs in the...
Healthy Workplace, Healthy You: Preparing workforce for a safe, healthy and sustainable food system through the Eat Right Campus
Apart from your own home, which place do you eat most frequently on a daily basis? If you think about it, it is likely to be your office, college or an institution that you visit regularly. In today’s fast-paced environment, a large number of working professionals and...
Eat Right Challenge
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has initiated the Eat Right India movement. The movement is based on three key themes, ‘if it’s not safe, it’s not food’ (safe food), ‘food should not only serve the palate but is also meant for body and mind’...
Chocolates: Are they Good or Bad for Health?
Chocolates are either critiqued to have negative impact on health or are portrayed by the marketers to have health benefits especially dark chocolates. The truth is that the composition of every chocolate is different from the other one, and this along with the amount...
Diet Soda: Are they good for your health?
Diet sodas are a popular beverage all over the world, among people of all ages who are anxious to reduce their sugar or calorie intake. Instead of sugar, artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, cyclamates, saccharin, acesulfame-k, or sucralose, are used to sweeten...
State Food Safety Index 2021-22
To encourage States/UTs to improve their performance and work towards establishing a proper food safety ecosystem in their jurisdiction, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released the State Food Safety Index (SFSI) annually for each...
Choosing the Right Cookware and Tableware for Your Home
We take utmost precautions while handling food to prevent contamination or any food hazard. However, have you given a thought about the utensils in which it is cooked, served, or stored? In this article, we will discuss cookware and tableware made from different...
Eat Right India: Steadily Reforming India’s Food Ecosystem
Safe foods and healthy diets are critical in the context of India's rising burden of food borne diseases, under-nutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, heart related diseases, etc. According to the...
EatSmart Cities Challenge
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in association with the Smart Cities Mission under the aegis of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) recently announced the winners of the EatSmart Cities Challenge. The 11 winning cities include...
Stay Healthy This Summer!
Summers are here, and accordingly we must make some dietary changes in this season to adapt to the heat. Summer calls for a diet which helps us to cool down our body temperatures. As temperature rise, we tend to sweat more in summers therefore keeping ourselves...
Reducing Anaemia through Large Scale Food Fortification
Micronutrients are essential to sustain life and for optimal physiological functions. High prevalence of micronutrient deficiency is affecting the lives of more than 2 billion people in the world despite substantial efforts to decrease its prevalence for the past few...
Home Buyers Interests Put Above All
In civil appeal No. 3778 of 2020 in the Supreme Court, the bench of Judges M.R. Shah and B.V. Nagarathna, in case of Amit Katyal V/S Meera Ahuja & others, allowed the withdrawal of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against a builder in an application...
Is Inter-meal Munching a Healthy Habit?
Munching between meals is often seen as an unhealthy habit. Mostly because the snacks we usually munch on are unhealthy and could be high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, and low in essential micronutrients. But it is wrong to think that inter-meal munching is a bad...
Is Vegan Meat Healthy For You?
Will eating more plant-based or vegan meat benefit both our health and the environment? This question has been a debatable and an ongoing one. People believe that plant-based meat could be a sustainable answer to global environmental concerns. However, many...
World Consumer Rights Day: Do Consumer Courts treat consumers as kings?
Since 1983, March 15th has been celebrated as World Consumer Rights Day. It is the day when the US President, John F Kennedy sent the message to the US Congress in 1962 outlining the four fundamental consumer rights - the right to safety, the right to be informed, the...
Food Systems Approach: Towards achieving safe, nourishing and sustainable diets
Food is an integral part of our life and thus there has always been an exclusive focus on what we eat. Unless the food we eat is safe, we become vulnerable to food-borne illnesses, which in turn reduces our ability to absorb nutrients, fight infections thereby,...
Devising a healthy trans-fat free life
The growing incidence of non-communicable diseases is a wakeup call for us to ensure we create a safer food system and understand why trans fats is a critical challenge for our country, writes Shri Arun Singhal, CEO, FSSAI. As the world is advancing and systems are...
A2 Milk: Why you should know more about it?
You might have heard about A2 milk and the claims that it is better than the regular milk (A1 milk) commonly available in the market. Consumer perceives such milk as better option than regular milk. Even A2 ghee too is perceived as healthier. But, what’s the reality?...
Are health drink powders actually good for you?
Intro: India is one of the largest consumer markets for malt-based drinks in the world. Malt-based products are marketed as ‘health drinks’ and are specifically targeted at children, and their parents. They are often marketed as an essential product that provides...
Maximise health by minimising salt, sugar and fat
It is increasingly becoming apparent that high consumption of salt, sugar and fat is one of the prime reasons behind the risk of developing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc writes Shri Arun Singhal, CEO, FSSAI. Not all fats...
Why hydroponic foods are good for you
Our food systems are constantly evolving every day. Innovations like vegan meats and NutriLock technology are already transforming our food systems. These innovations not only improve the nutritional adequacy of food, and its taste but also address sensitive issues...
Is your food coming from a hygiene-rated eatery?
Is your food coming from a hygiene-rated eatery? The past 18 months have taught us many things besides cooking. And there we saw, a sharp increase in ordering food online just after the situation started getting better. While cooked food delivered at home has been...
Keep these 5 things in mind while buying jewelry onlinez
Keep these 5 things in mind while buying jewelry onlineWe think we all are aware of the nitty-gritties of buying stuffs online. Sure. We’ve been quite habituated with the techniques of checking different sites for price, quantity, offers etc to ensure the best buy....
Why there is a liking for organic products
Why there is a liking for organic productsWith the greater awareness about the health hazards and the intensity of damage chemical products could cause to the body, consumers got a little push towards the organic products. The transformation of adopting organic...
Sustainable Living with Smart Home Technology
Sustainable Living with Smart Home TechnologyWith global warming on the rise and increasing concerns about our carbon footprint, it is time that we start adopting sustainable means of living. Although we have made leaps in waste management, we are yet to address the...
Top five consumer trends in the post-pandemic world
Top five consumer trends in the post-pandemic worldBy Kapil Makhija, CEO, UnicommerceWhen we thought it’s over, it came back again. Yes, the second wave of Covid cases have shattered our expectations greatly. But all things are not gloomy at this front. As we have...