Amendment Bill to Overhaul FSSAI’s Functioning and Jurisdiction to be Introduced in Parliament

Amendment Bill to Overhaul FSSAI's Functioning and Jurisdiction to be Introduced in Parliament

VoM News Desk | October 31, 2023 | 07:03 PM IST | Politics | Follow on Google News

Amendment Bill to Overhaul FSSAI’s Functioning and Jurisdiction to be Introduced in Parliament

Amendment Bill to Overhaul FSSAI’s Functioning and Jurisdiction to be Introduced in Parliament

The Indian government is preparing to introduce an amendment bill in Parliament that seeks to revamp the functioning and jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), as announced by Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant. Several amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act of 2006 have been proposed by the health ministry. The ministry previously solicited public comments on these draft amendments in September 2020.

Key Changes in the Proposed Amendment Bill

The proposed bill aims to bring about reforms in the operations of the FSSAI, granting the authority more powers to ensure compliance with food quality norms, particularly in India’s largely unorganized food sector.

No Hindrance to Millet Promotion

Sudhansh Pant emphasized that the amendment bill will not obstruct the promotion of millets, also known as ‘Shri Anna,’ as the FSSAI has already established adequate quality standards for 14 types of millets, including bajra. These quality standards have been put in place to encourage the consumption and promotion of millets, which offer substantial nutritional benefits.

FSSAI’s Initiatives in Promoting Millets

The FSSAI’s ‘Eat Right’ initiative has been at the forefront of promoting millets, with collaborations between the authority and various central ministries, including the defense ministry. In line with these efforts, millet-based canteens have been established in eight AIIMS and several government hospitals.

Wider Awareness of Millets

Sudhansh Pant further suggested that FSSAI promote the establishment of millet-based stalls as part of a food street project to enhance public awareness of these nutrition-rich food items.

Nutrition-Rich Millets for Addressing Hidden Hunger

Speaking at the event, FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao underscored that millets, which require less water for cultivation, possess high nutritional value and can help address hidden hunger in the country. India is the only nation in the world currently on a mission to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets.

VoM News Desk

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