Context:
Recently, the union Health Minister released the fifth State Food Safety Index in New Delhi.
Food Safety Index:
- Started in 2018-19 by FSSAI.
- Purpose – Encourages States and Union Territories to enhance food safety performance.
- Parameters – Evaluates based on Human Resources and Institutional Data, Compliance, Food Testing – Infrastructure and Surveillance, Training & Capacity Building, and Consumer Empowerment.
- Ranking (2022-23) –
- Large States – Kerala (1st), Punjab (2nd), Tamil Nadu (3rd).
- Small States – Goa (1st), Manipur (2nd), Sikkim (3rd).
- Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir (1st), Chandigarh (2nd), Delhi (3rd).
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
- Established under – Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Apex regulatory body for food safety in India.
- Purpose – Consolidates various food-related laws and regulations to ensure food safety and regulate the food industry.
- Key Functions –
- Regulation and Supervision – Ensures the safety and quality of food products.
- Standards Setting – Develops science-based standards for food products.
- Licensing and Registration – Manages the licensing and registration of food businesses.
- Inspection and Enforcement – Conducts inspections and enforces food safety regulations.
- Consumer Awareness – Promotes awareness about food safety among consumers.
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Myanmar
(d) Vietnam
Answer: (b)
