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

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