Update on NHRC Case: FSSAI Ordered to Submit Additional Information on Packaged Food and NCDs

 Today, we saw on the NHRC website (Track Case number: 4227/90/0/2021) that on March 21, 2024, the honorable commission called for additional information from the Joint Director of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Science and Standards (S&S) Division. The proceeding of the order is as follows:

Background of the Complaint

The complainants, via a complaint dated September 14, 2021, alleged that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in India. They pointed out that packaged food high in salt, fat, and sugar poses significant risk factors for obesity and NCDs.

Initial Commission Action

Upon consideration of the matter on May 31, 2023, the Commission directed that the recommendations made by the scientific panel, as well as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, be sent to the Director, Regulatory Compliance Division, FSSAI, New Delhi. The request was to consider these recommendations and communications received by the Commission while finalizing the notification and to submit a report within three months.

Response from FSSAI

In response to the Commission's directions, the Joint Director (S&S Division), FSSAI, New Delhi, via a letter dated August 17, 2023, reported that FSSAI had constituted an Expert Committee to review the comments received and other related matters. The Expert Committee is in the process of reviewing these comments and will submit its report to the food authority subsequently.

Current Status and Further Directions

The Commission has reviewed the reply from FSSAI. The Joint Director, FSSAI, New Delhi, is now directed to submit the Expert Committee's report within eight weeks to the Commission. The matter will be listed thereafter for further proceedings.

This development underscores the ongoing concern and regulatory scrutiny regarding the impact of packaged food on public health in India. The Commission's active engagement in ensuring that the FSSAI addresses these critical issues highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in mitigating the risks associated with high salt, fat, and sugar content in packaged foods, which are major contributors to NCDs in the country.

Our press conference: Unveiling the Success of a Comprehensive Campaign on Unhealthy Packaged Foods:https://healthofchidren.blogspot.com/2023/12/media-triumph-unveiling-impactful-reach.html

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Celebrating Partnership: A Step Towards a Healthier World

Image
Celebrating Partnership: A Step Towards a Healthier World Date: February 22, 2024 Author: Lenin Raghuvanshi, Chief Functionary/CEO, JanMitra Nyas Dear Advocates for Health, I am delighted to share with you the culmination of a significant milestone in our journey towards promoting cardiovascular health and protecting the well-being of children and mothers. Today, I received a letter from Ms.Pamela Sumner Coffey jee, Vice President of Global Operations at Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund, confirming the closeout of our project, "Consolidating collective voices for strong FoPL regulation to protect child and maternal health." First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund, particularly to Ms. Pamela Sumner Coffey jee and the entire team, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the duration of this project. Your belief in our vision and your commitment to improving global health have been instrumental in driving our efforts for
Read more

Honoring Advocacy: Dr. Sanjay Paswan's JanMitra Samman and the Neo-Dalit Movement

Image
Prof. Sanjay Paswan was honored by the renowned artist Mr. Dheerendra Sisodia at the PVCHR office. Team of PVCHR, Jan Jagriti Trust and All India Brahmin Mahasabha with Prof Sanjay Paswan  Citation of JanMitra Award to Prof. Sanjay Paswa n Prof. Sanjay Paswan was honored by the renowned artist Mr. Dheerendra Sisodia at the PVCHR office. Prof. Sanjay Paswan received the JanMitra Award from Pandit Rakesh Ranjan Tripathi, Vice President of the All India Brahmin Mahasabha, UP chapter, at the PVCHR office. Dr. Sanjay  Paswan , Member of legislative Council of Bihar, a distinguished Indian BJP politician and former Minister of State for Human Resource Development in the Vajpayee government, has long been a staunch advocate for marginalized communities, particularly the Dalits. His unwavering commitment to social justice and grassroots activism has earned him prestigious awards such as the JanMitra Samman, recognizing his significant contributions. On February 12, 2024, Prof. Sanjay Paswan re
Read more