Recent allegations against multinational corporation Nestlé have surfaced, accusing the company of incorporating excessive sugar into its baby products.
According to a study by the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) and the Switzerland-based investigative organization, Public Eye, it’s claimed that Nestlé added 2.7 grams of sugar per serving to its baby food brand, Cerelac, intended for developing markets such as India.
Following these allegations, India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has initiated investigations into potential breaches of food safety regulations.
ABOUT FOOD SAFETY IN INDIA
Food safety involves a range of practices, procedures, and regulations aimed at ensuring that food is safe to eat. It includes all the steps necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses, contamination, and other risks that can occur throughout the food production, processing, storage, distribution, and preparation stages.
In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) serves as the primary food safety regulator.The principal function of the FSSAI is to regulate and supervise the manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, and import of food, ensuring that consumers have access to safe and wholesome food.
Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006: The act aims to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards, by moving from multi- level, multi-departmental control to a single line of command. The Act established FSSAI and the State Food Safety Authorities for each State.
Food Safety and Standards Rule, 2011:The act provides for Food Safety Appellate Tribunal and the Registrar of the Appellate Tribunal, food safety and standards on Organic Food and regulates Food Advertising in India. The rule prohibits and restrict sales or approval for Non- Specified Food and Food Ingredients.It also covers Licensing and Registration, Packaging and Labelling of Food Businesses, Food Product Standards and Food Additives Regulation.
CHALLENGES TO FOOD SAFETY IN INDIA
Corruption in the FMCG Sector – Players in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry have been caught violating labelling requirements, such as not accurately listing product ingredients.Ex: is the ban on Maggi noodles due to unsafe levels of lead and MSG.
Resource and Infrastructure Shortfalls – The food safety sector in India faces challenges such as a lack of laboratories, trained personnel, and funding, which hampers the ability to conduct regular and thorough food inspections.
Prevalent Food Adulteration – In India, the adulteration of essential food items such as milk, spices, and edible oils is widespread.Ex: a 2012 study by FSSAI across 33 states revealed that much of the milk was found to be diluted with water, detergent, fat, and even urea.
Consumption of ‘Empty Calories’ – Many packaged food products from major brands are high in added sugars and lack nutritional value, contributing to health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity.
Inadequate Enforcement and Accountability – The implementation of food safety regulations in India is often weak. Numerous food businesses operate without the necessary licenses and compromise on safety standards.
Low Public Awareness – Many in India are not well-informed about proper food safety practices, including the correct handling, storage, and hygiene of food. Issues like the excessive use of pesticides and fruit ripening agents in agriculture are linked to cancer.
Complex Regulatory Landscape – The intricate regulatory framework for food safety makes it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to comply with standards, often leading to regulatory gaps and inconsistencies in enforcement.
CONSEQUENCES OF DECLINING FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS
Public Health Degradation – The consumption of contaminated or adulterated food leads to widespread health problems, including foodborne illnesses, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues are especially acute among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Economic Fallout – Unsafe and contaminated food can result in extensive product recalls, a loss of consumer confidence, and lasting damage to the brands involved. For instance, the recall of Maggi noodles after tests revealed high levels of lead and MSG is a notable example.
Obstacles to the ‘Make in India’ Campaign – Falling food safety standards pose a considerable challenge to India’s ambitions to enhance local manufacturing and increase exports under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Safety concerns can dissuade both domestic and international markets from purchasing Indian products, such as the recent rejection of Indian agricultural and food products by EU markets and the ban on MDH spices in Hong Kong.
Environmental Damage – Inadequate and unsafe agricultural practices lead to environmental harm through the contamination of soil and water. Excessive pesticide use and improper disposal of food waste further contribute to ecological degradation.
INITIATIVES TAKEN UP
WAY FORWARD:
Upgrading Infrastructure and Capabilities – Investments need to be ramped up in the area of food safety, with a focus on improving laboratories, training centers, and regulatory institutions. Sufficient resources and funding are essential for consistent inspections and adherence to safety protocols.
Streamlining Regulatory Measures – The food safety regulatory landscape needs to be made more straightforward and conducive to business operations. By making regulations clearer and more efficient, compliance can be fostered, particularly among smaller businesses.
Rigorous Enforcement and Legal Compliance – Authorities should strictly apply food safety laws, with robust penalties for any breaches and legal proceedings against those who do not comply. For example, establishing a maximum level for added sugars in products.
Boosting Public Awareness Campaigns – There should be a widespread campaign to educate both consumers and food producers about food safety’s critical importance.
Promotion of Sustainable Farming Practices – Supporting safe and sustainable farming methods is critical for minimizing the risk of contamination at the source. This includes advocating for organic agriculture, minimizing pesticide use, and ensuring efficient waste management practices.
PRACTICE QUESTION
Q: Considering the recent concerns about food safety within the FMCG sector, critically analyze the effectiveness of food safety regulations in India?(15M,250W)
