Gujarat Takes the Lead in Ensuring Food Safety and Celebrates 5th World Food Security Day

In the pursuit of clean and healthy food, Gujarat has emerged as a frontrunner, setting an exemplary standard for food safety in the country. On the occasion of the 5th World Food Safety Day, celebrated under the theme “Food Standards Save Lives,” Gujarat showcases its commitment to ensuring the well-being of its people.

Gujarat, known for its rapid development under the leadership of CM Bhupendra Patel and inspired by the vision of PM Modi, is striving to join the ranks of developed nations and become the world’s fifth-largest economy. However, amid this progress, the government understands the significance of prioritizing the welfare of its citizens, especially when it comes to their health and access to safe food.

The state has taken concrete steps to tackle food safety concerns and promote hygiene standards. The Food and Drug Regulatory Authority of Gujarat diligently monitors food establishments, takes strict action against vendors involved in adulteration, and ensures the cleanliness and well-being of food unit workers. The authorities conduct regular sampling and testing of food products, educate citizens about the risks of foodborne illnesses, and empower them to take preventive measures.

Various food items, including milk, edible oil, sweets, bakery products, packaged drinking water, pan masala, gutkha, confectionery, namkeen, and processed foods, are closely monitored throughout the year. Additionally, popular summer beverages like cold drinks, fruit juices, mango shakes, ice cream, and ice candy receive special attention to maintain their quality and safety standards.

Gujarat’s commitment to food safety is reflected in its consistent top ranking in the State Food Safety Index, established by the Central Government. This index assesses states based on various parameters, such as food sampling, testing, laboratory infrastructure, compliance, training, licensing and registration, and overall food quality. Gujarat’s top position for the last four consecutive years is a testament to its unwavering dedication to ensuring food safety.

To raise awareness about food safety, the Food and Drug Administration has been actively engaging farmers, food business operators, cooks, scientists, educators, students, and consumers. Efforts to promote food safety have been fruitful, and the local population is increasingly conscious of the importance of safe and nutritious food. This awareness has led to a greater demand for locally cooked street food, emphasizing the need for cleanliness and safety in this sector.

In line with this objective, the state government has implemented training programs for food and beverage market traders, particularly in Kankaria, Ahmedabad. This initiative has resulted in Kankaria becoming the country’s first FSSAI-approved “Clean Street Food Hub.” Presently, Gujarat boasts a total of eight such clean street food hubs, where citizens can enjoy hygienic street food while also creating employment opportunities for locals.

Furthermore, the Food and Drug Regulatory Authority, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Laboratory in Vadodara, has developed primary test kits to detect adulteration in various food items, including milk, oil, spices, salt, and sweets. These kits enable on-the-spot testing for 21 types of adulterants. Recognizing this innovative approach, the FSSAI has created over 100 testable magic boxes, expanding the reach of these essential tools.

To enhance knowledge and promote adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, a mobile exhibition van has been launched to train and sensitize street traders. This initiative has received acclaim from the FSSAI and has been replicated across the country with improvements in food safety vans. Presently, Gujarat operates the highest number of 22 food safety vans nationwide, demonstrating the state’s commitment to public welfare.

In addition to these proactive measures, the state government adopted a proactive approach to dispose of cases related to the prevention of food adulteration before the enactment of the Food Safety and Standards Act in 2011. By adjudicating deserving cases in Lok Adalats and imposing fines, the state reduced the burden on the judicial system and collected fines totaling approximately Rs. 8 crores. The FSSAI has commended Gujarat’s approach and urged other states to emulate its success.

The Food and Drug Administration regularly collects around 20,000 food samples from various locations across the state and sends them to state laboratories for testing. District offices organize FoSTaC training programs and meetings to keep traders informed about food laws and any changes. It is worth noting that only 0.34 percent of the samples tested in Gujarat are declared unsafe for consumption, and appropriate legal action is taken against those responsible.

Gujarat’s remarkable achievements in the past two decades have laid a strong foundation for inclusive development. The state’s dedication to ensuring food safety makes it an invaluable contributor to building a healthy nation.