The 10th meeting of the District-Level Advisory Committee, constituted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap. The meeting confirmed the proceedings of the previous meeting and reviewed the progress made by the department on various agenda points.
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap stated that the process of issuing licenses and registrations to food business operators in the district is ongoing, and efforts are being made to bring all eligible establishments under the purview of the Food Safety Act. 800 registrations and 65 licenses have been issued. Furthermore, 172 registrations have been made so far this fiscal year, of which 67 licenses have been issued. Officials were instructed to ensure 100% coverage of licenses and registrations.
Raising public awareness about food safety through the Mobile Food Testing Lab (MFTL) was also discussed. The committee directed that more awareness programs be organized and food business operators be encouraged to adhere to food safety standards. Currently, due to the unavailability of analysts in the district, sample testing through the Mobile Food Testing Lab is not possible.
The Deputy Commissioner said that under the “Eat Right School” initiative, special emphasis should be placed on regular inspections and testing of food samples in schools. Officials were instructed to regularly monitor the quality of food items sold around school premises, especially ice cream, chuski, ice cream, and other food items, to ensure safe and quality food is available to children.
In addition, legal and enforcement samples taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, were also reviewed. Twenty-eight samples were collected from Shimla Rural. Enforcement and surveillance samples of various food items were taken in the district, and most of the samples were found to be within the prescribed standards. Officials were instructed to conduct regular inspections of hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and other food establishments and ensure that food quality is not compromised.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that ensuring food safety is the administration’s top priority. He directed the concerned departments to ensure the availability of safe and quality food in the district through public awareness, regular inspections, and effective enforcement. He urged the general public to consume nutritious food in their lives. Only a healthy diet can strengthen a healthy life. He called for avoiding junk food and encouraging children to consume good quality food.
*Food testing lab to be set up in Shimla*
A food testing lab will be established in Shoghi, a neighborhood adjacent to Shimla city. The department will inspect the government building there and submit its report. Only after this will the lab be established. Its construction will mark a significant step in the field of food safety. This modern laboratory will scientifically test the quality, purity, and safety of food items. It will test milk, ghee, oil, spices, sweets, beverages, and other food products for adulteration, pesticide residues, harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms. It will also test the nutritional value, quality, and conformity to prescribed standards. This lab will facilitate local food producers, hotels, restaurants, dairies, and food processing units in certifying the quality of their products. The food testing lab will play a crucial role in effectively controlling adulterated food items, protecting consumer health, and ensuring compliance with the standards of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
