Food Safety and Standards Act comes into force

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 & Rules 2011 came into force in the state from Friday.Health Minister Adoor Prakash told reporters here on Friday that the Act and Rules were being implemented in the state along with the other states.The Centre had passed the Act in 2006 by repealing the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.The Act will establish a single statutory regulatory authority for the food sector in the state, named the Commissionerate of Food Safety. The main function of the Authority is to lay down scientific standards for food products and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import. The main feature of the Act is a shift from multi-level and multi-departmental control to integrated line of command. The Act also provides licensing for manufacturing food products, which is presently granted by the Central agencies under various Acts and Orders, the Minister said. The Act provided for the graded penalties depending on the gravity of offence and accordingly, civil penalties for minor offences and punishment for serious violations.The Food Safety and Standards Act focuses on checking the food quality and hygiene at outlets. There is a scope for recall of the product from the market by the manufacturer or wholesaler if it is found to be substandard. The Act also provides imposition of fines up to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh, he said.The Act provides the appointment of Adjudicating Officer and Food Safety Appellate Tribunal with the powers of the district judge. The Act also provides for imprisonment, including life-term, in case any hazardous adulteration is found, he said.