FSSAI Holds 44th Central Advisory Committee Meeting, Proposes Inter-Ministerial Committee to Address Pesticide Concerns

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened its 44th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting on August 22-23, 2024, chaired by CEO Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao. A key focus of the discussions was the formation of an inter-ministerial committee in each state to tackle the growing concerns over pesticide usage in agriculture.

Shri Rao emphasized the need for proactive measures to monitor and regulate pesticide application at the farmer level, ensuring the safety and sustainability of agricultural practices. “This initiative will help protect consumers from potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in food and promote safer farming techniques,” he said.

In addition to pesticide regulation, the meeting also addressed the need to fill vacant positions for Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and Designated Officers (DOs) across states. Shri Rao called on state representatives to expedite the recruitment process and urged them to upgrade food testing laboratories to meet current demands. States were also encouraged to submit proposals for establishing new microbiology laboratories, which will enhance testing capabilities.

Another major initiative discussed was the deployment of mobile labs—Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs)—to key locations across states. These mobile units, equipped with rapid testing kits, will play a crucial role in raising consumer awareness about food safety practices. FSW vans can deliver results within hours, enabling swift corrective action to ensure that food products meet safety standards.

The meeting, attended by more than 50 officials, including Commissioners of Food Safety from various states and Union Territories, senior FSSAI officials, and representatives from the food and agriculture sectors, concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to make food safety a top priority. The collaborative efforts aim to provide safe, nutritious, and high-quality food for consumers nationwide.