The CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), chaired a review meeting in Hyderabad today, emphasizing the urgent need for 100% inspection of Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) units and rigorous checks on water treatment plants. The meeting focused on strengthening the overall food safety ecosystem in Telangana.
“Food safety cannot be compromised,” stated Shri Rao, directing officials to escalate sample collection, undertake risk-based inspections, and ensure swift action against food adulteration. He underscored the importance of timely adjudication of food safety cases, preferably within 90 days, as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. The CEO also lauded the Government of Telangana’s initiatives under its 100 Days Action Plan, which aims to bolster enforcement and public outreach on food safety.
To enhance rapid on-ground testing capabilities, FSSAI announced the provision of:
RAFT (Rapid Analytical Food Testing) kits to all Food Safety Officers (FSOs) across the state. Additionally, mobile food testing labs will be deployed more frequently to improve real-time monitoring and field-level surveillance. Shri Rao further urged the fast-tracking of the
Food Safety Laboratory establishment in Hyderabad, assuring full support from FSSAI, a move expected to significantly boost the state’s food testing capacity.
The meeting saw active participation from key stakeholders, including Senior officials, Additional District Magistrates (who also serve as Adjudicating Officers), and 50 FSOs from 33 districts, who joined both online and offline.
Highlighting FSSAI’s commitment to public engagement, the CEO called for intensified awareness campaigns on healthy eating habits, advocating for celebrity involvement to amplify messaging around reducing salt, sugar, and oil intake and addressing obesity. He also stressed the importance of regular training for food handlers, especially those serving in anganwadis and hostels, to safeguard public health.
The Executive Director of the Regulatory Compliance Division, and the Director, also participated, offering strategic guidance for effective enforcement of the FSS Act 2006. The Chief Medical Officer, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and the Director, Institute of Preventive Medicine, were also in attendance.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the joint commitment from FSSAI and the Government of Telangana to strengthen food safety through stricter enforcement, capacity building, and public participation, ultimately ensuring access to safe and wholesome food for all.