Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has unveiled the 5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI) on the occasion of World Food Safety Day. A press release to this effect was issued on 7th June, 2023.
The 5th SFSI evaluates the performance of states and union territories across six different aspects of food safety. Launched in 2018-19, the SFSI aims to foster healthy competition and catalyze positive change in the food safety ecosystem throughout the country, ultimately ensuring the provision of safe and wholesome food to all residents.
The rankings for the year 2022-23 revealed that among the larger states, Kerala secured the top ranking, followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Among the smaller states, Goa emerged as the leader, followed Manipur and Sikkim.
Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh secured the first, second, and third ranks respectively among the union territories.
For the ‘Eat Right Challenge for Districts – Phase II’, most of the districts with exceptional results were located in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Out of the 260 participating districts, 31 successfully achieved a score of 75% or higher.
It was also announced that 25 lakh food business operators will be trained by FSSAI in the next 3 years to ensure that food quality standards are met across the country. Additionally, 100 Food Streets would be set up across the country which meet the quality benchmark for food safety, hygiene, and nutrition.
Moreover, several innovative initiatives by FSSAI were also unveiled on this occasion, including the Rapid Food Testing Kit (RAFT) portal which aims to streamline the operations of the RAFT Scheme, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, three manuals were also released at the event. These include the Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Fish & Fish Products, Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Cereal and Cereal Products – 2nd edition, and Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Chicory.
