During the 43rd meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) revealed its action plan regarding Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR).
At the meeting, discussions centered around raising awareness among farmers about the responsible usage of antibiotics in livestock, aquaculture, poultry, and other sectors, in line with FSSAI’s obligations outlined in the AMR National Action Plan-II. Additionally, strategies for conducting surveillance on antimicrobial susceptibility in food matrices to uphold consumer safety were explored.
The Commissioners of Food Safety of States and Union Territories were instructed to strive diligently towards the goal of developing 100 food streets as ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Streets’.
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The significance of surveillance sampling was highlighted during the conversation. States were instructed to devise their surveillance plans and hold regular meetings with state laboratories and their officials.
Discussions revolved around the necessity of clean marketplaces and the establishment of health clubs in both state and central government schools. Additionally, the development of app-based models and literature in regional languages to motivate the younger generation was also addressed.
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States and Union Territories were urged to take steps to raise awareness about the significance and advantages of fortified rice. It was emphasized to conduct regular sampling of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) and ensure strict compliance with the FSS (Fortification of Foods) Regulation, 2018.
During the meeting, a Guidance Document for Training Food Handlers in the Canteens of Universities, Colleges, and Hostels was introduced to enhance the food safety infrastructure. This endeavor targets the training of approximately 1.1 million food handlers employed in these establishments over the next two years.
Uma Shankar Dhyani, Executive Director (HR & Finance), and Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director (Compliance Strategy), both from FSSAI, attended the meeting. The gathering also included over 50 officials, comprising Commissioners of Food Safety (CFS), representatives from various states and union territories, officials from FSSAI and nodal ministries, as well as members representing the food industry, consumers, agriculture, laboratories, and research bodies.
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