FSSAI - GOVERNANCE
News: centre asks fssai to initiate
action against nestle after report of sugar content in cerelac
what's in the news?
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the union consumer affairs ministry asked the food
safety and standards authority of india (fssai) to initiate “appropriate
action” against the nestle group for allegedly selling baby products with high
sugar content in india.
key takeaways:
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the department has initiated this action following
a report that the nestle company has allegedly added 2.7 grams of sugar per
serving to their cerelac baby cereals sold in india.
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they are said to refrain from the practice in
countries such as germany, switzerland, france, and the united kingdom.
food safety standards
authority of india (fssai):
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the fssai has been established under the food
safety and standards act of 2006.
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it is a statutory
body that works under the ministry of health and family welfare.
headquarters - new delhi
regional offices - delhi, guwahati, mumbai, kolkata, cochin, and chennai.
objective:
●
it is responsible for protecting and promoting
public health through the regulation and supervision of food.
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the chairman
of fssai is appointed by the central government.
power and
responsibilities of fssai:
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it formulates the regulations to lay down food
safety standards.
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it prepares guidelines for the accreditation of
laboratories for food testing.
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it provides scientific advice and technical support
to the government.
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collecting data regarding food consumption,
contamination, emerging risks, etc.
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promoting awareness about food safety and nutrition
in india.
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lay down science-based standards for articles on
food.
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regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution,
import, and sale of food.
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to promote food safety.