Govt declares 2008-09 as 'Food Safety & Quality Year'

In an attempt to inculcate good food habits and hygiene among people, the government of India has declared year 2008-09 as ‘Food Safety and Quality Year’ to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food supply.

The Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the move would bring awareness amongst consumers to demand safe and quality food.

The government has taken into consideration a number of schemes to be implemented within the prescribed period comprising the establishment of Mega Food Park with integrated value chain to facilitate linkage of the farmers to the processors / industry and the market.

In addition to the institutionalisation of integrated cold chain facilities to improve shelf life of perishable products and arrange their way to the market, the government is seriously thinking to modernise abattoirs comprising scientific and hygiene slaughtering practices and availability of quality meat to consumers and industry.

The government is also considering to meet the target by setting up of strong government mechanisms to upgradation of food testing and quality control laboratories and upgrading hygiene and quality of food street vendors and food streets.

The Delhi government had taken initiative last year while acting under the direction of Supreme Court, which passed an order for banning roadside cooking. The move was a part of a citywide clean up campaign, aimed at beautification of India's Capital. Authorities maintained that roadside cooking was unacceptable because it was unsafe, unhygienic and contributes to the filth in the city.

The central government is not thinking in terms of complete ban on roadside food rather considering up gradation of hygiene and quality of food street vendors and food streets. With a view to encourage people for maintaining the quality of food, the government would also introduce awards for innovation in food quality, safety and product development, and will focus on developing quality and safety standards for various food products.

Besides organising awareness programmes through publications and advertisements, workshops and seminars on food safety and quality, the government is planning to launch postage stamp to commemorate ‘Food Safety and Quality Year 2008-2009.’