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FOOD ADULTERATION
FOOD ADULTERATION
The food industry basically includes manufacturing, packaging, processing, wholesale and distribution of food products. Compromising quality of those products is basically compromising the health and safety of the populace of the country. Therefore, the quality and standard of food that reaches the final public has to be above a selected benchmark. The food adulteration laws basically set this benchmark. Food Adulteration is defined as “the addition or subtraction of any substance to or from food so as that the natural composition and quality of food substance is affected”. This leads to an inferior quality of the food. this may either be done intentionally for creating some quiet profit or it can happen unintentionally because of the negligence of the person handling the food item. In either case, the person is held chargeable for food adulteration under the laws of the country.
There were several defects within the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. Thus, to induce obviate those defects and consolidate the laws concerning food safety and standards, the Parliament enacted the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This Act repealed all the other laws effective concerning the quality of food. Section 91 of the Food Safety and Standards Act empowers the Central Government to make rules under the Act.
Apart from these laws and regulations, there are provisions under the Indian penal code too which affect food adulteration. Chapter XIV of the Code lays down provisions handling ‘offences affecting the final public health, safety, convenience, decency, and morals’. in keeping with Section 272 and 273, food or drink adulteration or sale of such food or drink is an offence punishable with an imprisonment which may reach six months or fine or both. However, some states like the province and West Bengal considered it to be insufficient punishment and made amendments within the supply with relevance punishment within the year 1970. The state amendment has made the offence punishable with imprisonment for all times alongside the liability of fine.
The Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 could also be a comprehensive legislation handling various aspects with relevance to the regulation of food safety. Section 4 of the Act establishes Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). It's the foremost important authority which supervises and regulates food safety and standards.
A Central Advisory Committee for ensuring cooperation between the Food Authority and thus the enforcement agencies. Scientific Panels so on deliberate on certain matters in consultation with representatives of the concerned industry alongside consumer representatives. Scientific Committee to advise the Food Authority on various issues by giving their scientific opinion.
Licensing and registration of food business is dealt under Section 31 of the Act. The food adulteration laws are evolving with the changing needs of the time. Earlier there were different laws for various provinces which were repealed and consolidated by the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. However, even this Act couldn't stand the test for some time and had to be repealed because of various defects. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and thus the regulations made under the Act comprehensively affect the problem. However, it's important for the authorities under the Act to be vigilant so effective results are achieved.
