The front-of-pack label, warning consumers against food items high in fat, sugar, and salt, is soon going to be a reality in India. In conversation with Hindustan Times, CEO Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Rajit Punhani, talks about the implementation process, and how consumer awareness has led to more effective enforcement over the years. Edited excerpts:
The FSSAI has carried out surprise inspections of food businesses, and such action has led to licenses getting suspended. What brought this change?
Essentially, there are two main changes. One, state authorities and consumers have become more active. Second, the issue is getting publicised more. So, a lot of state food safety commissioners are also publicising their actions. And consumer awareness has grown a lot.
It’s not that raids were not taking place earlier or licenses were not being suspended, but now there is much more awareness.
