The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a comprehensive awareness and sensitization program targeting major markets in the national capital, in collaboration with the Food Safety Department, Delhi.
Commencing on April 8th, 2024, from prominent locations like Khan Market and INA Market in Delhi, the awareness campaign aims to highlight the detection and mitigation of pesticide residue and contaminants in food products.
Market associations and traders actively participated in sessions where they were educated on the detrimental effects of pesticide residue, particularly in fruits and vegetables, and the significance of rigorous testing. The FSSAI introduced its groundbreaking initiative, the “Food Safety on Wheel” mobile lab, equipped with rapid testing kits capable of detecting approximately 50 pesticide residues across various food items like fruits, vegetables, milk, and cereals. These tests yield results within hours, facilitating prompt action to ensure food safety.
Traders were encouraged to utilize this resource for swift testing, thereby ensuring the safety and quality of products sold in the market. Additionally, they were briefed on various aspects of food safety, including the necessity of obtaining FSSAI licenses or registration and adhering strictly to food safety standards. Traders were urged to source raw materials exclusively from FSSAI licensed/registered vendors to ensure traceability and compliance.
Moreover, the importance of raw material testing to guarantee the safety and quality of food products was underscored during the program. Awareness regarding the risks associated with artificial ripening and wax coating of fruits and vegetables using unapproved chemicals, as well as the role of organic farming, was disseminated among attendees. Information regarding the availability of testing laboratories for food products in Delhi and nearby areas was also provided.
The event emphasized the collective responsibility in ensuring food safety, with the motto, “Food Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility,” highlighting the crucial role of every stakeholder across the food supply chain in promoting a healthier India. FSSAI, as the apex food regulator in the country, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding public health through the implementation of robust food safety protocols nationwide.