Background
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) place a strong emphasis on stakeholder consultation when developing food standards. This approach ensures that the perspectives of various stakeholders, including industry representatives, line ministries, consumer groups and scientific experts, are considered in the decision-making process. This approach is on par with international best practices to create balanced, effective, and practical food standards that protect consumer health while also being feasible for the industry to implement.
In this context, the FSSAI has identified key food safety themes to be addressed through a series of national-level stakeholder consultation programs in the year 2025. These consultations will provide a unique platform for line ministries, industry associations, food business operators (FBOs), state food safety authorities, and technical experts from national and international research institutes, scientific bodies and laboratories.
The aim is to facilitate the exchange of information on regulatory and safety requirements for food products, with a strong focus on enhancing cooperation between nations in setting and maintaining food safety standards.
The key objectives of National Stakeholders Consultations on Food Safety Issues are to provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and updates on food safety regulations, harmonize standards, offer training and resources to enhance skills, identify and manage potential food safety risks, engage various parties in the decision-making process, and strengthen international partnerships and cooperation to ensure food safety and quality on a global scale. This aims to create a cohesive and effective food safety eco-system that protects public health and promotes fair practices in the food industries.
FAO, WHO, Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, NITI Aayog, DGHS, NCDC, MoIB, MoEFCC, CPCB, MOFPI, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, CDSCO, Ministry of Ayush, MoA &FW, CIB&RC, MPRNL Coordinator,WCD, BIS, CPCB, CWC, Jal boards, IBA,ASCI, IIP, CFTRI, Packaging material Industry/ Associations, SHEFEXIL, IDMA, HADSA, IDSA, CII, FICCI, FBOs, State food safety authorities, Experts from national and international research institutes, Scientific bodies, Laboratories etc.
In addition, every Stakeholders Consultation is expected to have physical participation from over 350 stakeholders.
FSSAI’s national stakeholder consultation is expected to generate a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at strengthening food safety and regulatory practices in India. By bringing together a diverse group of national and international experts, the consultation will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange to address pressing issues such as pesticide residue monitoring, sustainable packaging, misleading food claims, and the regulation of nutraceuticals.
Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India & Chairperson, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Secretary, Department of Health Research, Govt. of India and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India
Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India.
Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and Secretary (additional charge), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
nsc-programs@fssai.gov.in.
+91 11 - 23667200