Context
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s 4th State Food Safety Index (SFSI) has been released on World Food Day.
- This was the fourth State Food Safety Index award, which was started in 2018-19 with the aim of creating a competitive and positive change in India's food safety ecosystem.
Key-highlights
- State Ranking: Tamil Nadu topped the State Food Safety Index this year, followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra this year.
- Smaller state ranking: Among the smaller States, Goa stood first, followed by Manipur and Sikkim.
- Union Territories Ranking: Among the Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh secured first, second and third ranks.
- The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) measures the performance of States on the basis of five parameters prescribed by the Health Ministry.
- The rating is done by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- FSSAO has launched various innovative initiatives, including the Eat Right Research Awards and Grants – Phase II, Eat Right Creativity Challenge – Phase III, a school-level competition, and the logo for AyurvedaAahar.
- This logo, which contains the initials of Ayurveda and Aahar with five leaves symbolising the five elements of nature, would be beneficial in creating a unique identity for food products and in their easy identification.
About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- FSSAI is an autonomous body.
- It was established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
- The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
- FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
- The FSSAI is headed by a non-executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
- The FSSAI has its headquarters at New Delhi.
- The authority also has 6 regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai.
- 14 referral laboratories notified by FSSAI, 72 State/UT laboratories located throughout India and 112 laboratories are NABL accredited private laboratories notified by FSSAI.
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