Labs will get Rs 25,000-30,000 cr

S N Mohanty took over as the chief executive officer (CEO), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), on May 7, 2012, at a crucial juncture – just a few months after the implementation of the Food Safety & Standards Regulations, 2011, in the country. During this five-month tenure, the new CEO has faced several challenges - extension of the licensing and registration deadline, establishment of proper infrastructure such as scientific panels, and labs, and perpetuation of deterrence mechanism like fines and punishments in ensuring complete food safety under the new law. In an exclusive interview with Abhitash Singh of FnB News, he reveals the details.

It has been about five months since you took the reins as the FSSAI CEO. How has your journey been so far?
Since taking charge as the FSSAI CEO, I have been able to do couple of things. Firstly the licensing part was under the table which I extended for a moratorium period of six months. Secondly I have standardised the lab testing parameters. We are inventing standard testing parameters like the one in Kolkata for Mumbai and other parts of the country too. Thirdly, I am concentrating on import control procedures, and fourthly, the risk management system is my priority, because it will fast-track the product approval. I have started the journey, and it is still on.

What is the status of food testing labs in the pipeline and scientific panels for various categories for food and beverages, as mandated by the Act?
We have about 70 accredited labs and 45 are being set up currently. By the end of the Twelfth Plan, there will be about 200 labs. In addition, there will be 70 intermediate labs and 30 referral labs. The investment for all these labs will be around Rs 25,000 to 30,000 crore. Presently we have eight scientific panels, and we will create a new panel for fishery products soon.

How much awareness has been built up with regard to food recalls under the new Act? Could you give some instances of food recalls in India since the Act came into force?
We are just ready with the Regulations. It has not yet come into effect. The Act came into force on August 5, 2011, and has just completed one year. We require Regulations in process. Regulations is pre-requisite. No, there is not even a single food recall under the new Act.

Is the process of formation of courts and adjudicating officers in various areas over? What are the highest fines and punishments that have been awarded to offenders?
Yes, it is over. With regards to tribunal only a few states have done it, and others are in the process of doing it. The highest fines at some places were Rs 20 lakh.

Under many FDAs and FDCAs, there have been numerous complaints about the lack of food safety officers (FSOs). What steps are being taken to solve this problem?

During the Twelfth Plan we will assess for enforcement. Minimality is expected from the state government. Some states have already started filling the posts. Universal applications are there for food safety officers (FSOs). We are providing regulatory training to FSOs. FSOs should have the knowledge of the Act. We are working on increasing the numbers of FSOs and very soon we will be able to succeed in our aim.

What were the agendas of the Authority and CAC meeting held in July-August 2012 with respect to labs, licensing and registration, categorisation of stake holders and regulatory officers and products approvals?
The Authority conducted its Ninth Authority Meeting. At the meetings, draft standards for olive oil, draft standards for caffeinated beverages, use of nutritional ingredients in various food items, amendment to the food safety and standards (contaminants, toxins and residues) regulations, fixing of antioxidant limit in honey and draft import regulations were discussed. We cleared eight standards during our Ninth Authority Meeting. During the Tenth Authority Meeting which was recently held we have cleared ten standards for food and safety.

The last date for obtaining licenses and registrations for all food businesses across the country is February 5, 2013. What is the current status on the streamlining of the process?
Central licenses are under control. We have to step up at the state level. Through FnB News, I would like to urge all food business operators (FBOs) to approach their relevant authorities and designated officers and apply for food safety licenses well before the deadline. They should take licenses on an urgent basis and not rush at the last moment. FBOs of all the states should go to their designated officers and obtain the licenses as soon as possible, otherwise clogging will take place.

What is the current scenario regarding uniformity in licensing and registration?
We have allowed central licensing system for three states, namely Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. We are rolling out bundled software for states because issuing large number of physical licenses is a difficult process. The online licensing system was introduced to have uniformity, easy accessibility and transparency. Some states is beginning to think about it. We have done our duty. Now the preparedness is expected of the states. FSSAI is also providing the details in writing to all the states.

Although co-production will become mandatory, could you throw some light on the individual roles of the regulator and the food business operators (FBOs) with respect to ensuring that they comply with the guidelines and self-regulation?
Regulators are doing their work through a science-based approach. FBOs should take the responsibility themselves.

One of the items on the agenda was regarding the approval of blue tinted plastic containers for bulk packaging, mineral water and packaged drinking water. Are there any other F&B packaging materials awaiting approval?
Yes, the approval of blue tinted plastic containers for bulk packaging and water has been cleared. And as far as other F&B packaging materials are concerned, a call will be taken on them in the Twelfth Plan.

The time period for setting up food testing labs has now become shorter. Are you
satisfied with the current scenario? Please throw some light on the complaints that labs aren't functioning properly, and the delay in sending samples for testing, as a result of which punishments are not being awarded on time?
Yes, it has become shorter. I would like to have the lab at the quickest but we don't stay in the country where our wish comes true as per our wishlist. The Twelfth Plan has got the National Development Council's (NDC) clearance 15 days ago. The average time for lab testing is five days, but there could be a delay because some foods take longer time for testing. Functional food testing takes time. Safety of the food should be established first. The public has been allowed to take samples and prove it. FSSAI has enabled every citizen to be a regulator. Now consumers can take the samples themselves and can complain to the food safety officer of their area. Yes, it is true that adulteration takes place during festivals, and the process for the punishments takes time and the reason the offenders walk freely. This festive season we are trying to make people aware about the adulteration in Delhi and what action they should take if they find adulteration. Other states will follow suit. We should congratulate the authors of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006. It is a science-based Act and won't promote Inspector Raj.

November 1, 2012 is the deadline for compliance with the Metrological Act. How is the FSSAI gearing up for that?
We have looked at that. It talks about the pack sizes. There are similar types of prohibition in other countries also. Basically the metric system is not a great conflict for us. Genetically-modified (GM) food is not allowed at all in India.

Food importers were not happy with the labelling norms? What steps have been taken to solve that problem?
The Act come into force on August 5, 2011, and the transitory period is over for them. Who is happy and who is unhappy is not our lookout, and we can't do anything about it. There is nothing irrational about labelling norms, and that is the law.

People in India are not aware about food safety, what steps have been taken by you to create awareness?
Awareness generation is the most crucial component, which needs continuous and constant efforts targeted at various stakeholders, viz. consumers, FBOs, petty food manufacturers, hawkers, etc. A lot of promotional activities need to be organised to make people aware of the essential elements of the Act, mandatory parameters in starting a food business, clarifications with respect to online and manual licensing and registration systems. The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials that are being developed in the Authority would be provided to each state, which could be translated in its respective language. We are giving a priority for awareness campaigns on a consistent basis. We also ran a education programme on Kalyani TV on wholesome foods and hygiene earlier, and now we are running a programme on contaminated and adulterated supplements to educate the people.
Source:http://www.fnbnews.com/