Context:
In 5th edition of State Food Safety Index, nearly all major states slip on food safety compared to 2019.
About State Food Safety Index:
- A dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety.
- An annual index launched on the occasion of World Food Safety Day (7th June) since 2019.
- Released by – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Based on the information submitted by States/UTs.
- Aim – To measure the performance of states on parameters of food safety.
- Parameters – Originally it had 5 but 6th one was added in 5th report for the period 2022-23.
- FSSAI Parameters and weightages –
- Compliance (28%) – Activities of State food safety authorityConsumer Empowerment (19%) – Performances in consumer empowering initiatives.Human Resources and Institutional Data (18%) – Availability of human resources.Food Testing Infrastructure (17%) – Availability of testing infrastructure.Improvement in SFSI Rank (added in 2023) (10%) – Performances in SFSI ranking.
- Training and Capacity Building (8%) – Steps taken for equipping people in food testing. [only parameter to record improvement]
Findings of State Food Safety Index 2022- 2023:
- Top-Ranking Large States: Kerala followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
- Top-Ranking Small states: Goa followed by Manipur and Sikkim.
- Top-Ranking UTs: Jammu & Kashmir followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
- Purpose – for laying down science based standards for articles of food to ensure safe food for human consumption.
- Headquarters – New Delhi, India
- Ministry – Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- Concerned Law: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Mandate –
- Laying down mechanisms and guidelines for accreditation of certification bodies.
- Provide scientific advice and technical support to Central Government and State Governments.
- Collect data regarding food consumption, incidence and prevalence of biological risk, identification of emerging risks and introduction of rapid alert system.
- Contribute to the development of international technical standards for food, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:
1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Answer: (b)
