|
The Government is to introduce an Integrated Food Law in Parliament. It is meant to ensure better consumer safety. The proposed legislation aims at ensuring a proper management of the food safety systems and make them transparent. It is also intended to meet the requirements of international trade and Indian food and trade industry.
The proposed legislation is intended to set up a single line of command from the present multi-level and multi-departmental control. Accordingly, there will be a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards, regulations and enforcements. Food business operators would have to ensure that imported and processed food reaching the consumers conforms to the domestic food laws. The proposed legislation provides for civil penalties for minor offences and criminal action for serious violation.
The draft bill titled “Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005” has been put on the website www.mofpi.nic.in of the Food Processing Ministry for eliciting suggestions from all concerned
The legislation has been necessitated because of the multiplicity of food laws which have been creating confusion among the consumers, traders and manufacturers. In recent years, many countries have reviewed their food legislation. The Government of India set up a Group of Ministers(GOM) to propose legislative changes for finalising the Integrated Food Law and related regulations. The proposed legislation is in keeping with its directive.
SMK:RK
|
