(GIST OF YOJANA) Safe Food for a Healthy India

GIST OF YOJANA : Safe Food for a Healthy India

JUNE-2025

Safe Food for a Healthy India

Context:

Food safety in Indian agriculture is a critical yet -often overlooked issue, with contamination risks emerging at every stage from farm to fork. India's heavy reliance on chemical pesticides (ranking fourth globally inusage) leads to dangerous residue levels in produce, u'hile poor post¬ harvest handling results in fungal growth (afiatoxins) and bacterial contamination due to inadequate storage and transportation. Adulteration remains rampant, with milk, spices, and oils frequently diluted with harmful substances, compromising public health.

Need for Food Safety:

Food safety refers to the scientific discipline and regulatory framework that ensures food products are handled, processed, stored, and distributed in ways that prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses. It addresses three primary types of hazards:

1. Biological Hazards - Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), viruses (Hepatitis A), fungi (afiatoxins) and parasites that can cause diseases.

2. Chemical Hazards- Pesticide residues, heavy metals (lead, arsenic), artificial additives and toxins from improper storage.

3. Physical Hazards-Foreign objects like glass, metal, or plastic fragments that accidentally enter food during processing.

LINK BETWEEN AGRICULTURE AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Unsafe agricultural practices directly impact public health:

1. Foodborne Diseases

Contaminated food causes Diarrhoea, Hepatitis, and even Cancer (from pesticide residues).
Aflatoxin-contaminated grains are linked to liver damage.

2. Economic Losses

Export bans on Indian spices, seafood, and rice due to safety violations hurt the economy.
Farmers suffer when their produce is rejected for exceeding pesticide limits.

3. Long-Term Health Risks

Antibiotic resistance from contaminated meat and poultry.
Chronic diseases like kidney failure and neurological disorders from heavy metals in food.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR FOOD SAFETY IN INDIA

Role of FSSAI and Other Bodies

FSSAI sets standards but lacks enforcement in rural areas.
APMCs regulate markets but ignore food safety checks.
BIS provides standards but adoption is low in informal sectors.

Existing Laws and Gaps

Food Safety and Standards Act (2006) -Strong on paper, weak in implementation.
Insecticides Act (1968) -Fails to curb illegal pesticide sales.
No stringent penalties for food safety violators.

Challenges in Enforcement

Insufficient food inspectors (only 2,000 for 1.3 billion people).
Corruption in food testing and licensing.
Slow processes and delayed penalties.

MAJOR CHALLENGES IN ENSURING FOOD SAFETY

Fragmented Supply Chains

India’s food supply chain is highly fragmented, with produce passing through multiple intermediaries, increasing contamination risks. Traditional mandis lack traceability, making it difficult to identify sources of adulteration or spoilage. Long transportation times without proper storage further degrade food quality. Streamlining supply chains with direct farm-to-retail models and digital tracking can minimise risks and ensure fresher, safer food for consumers.

Economic Constraints of Farmers

Small and marginal farmers, who dominate Indian agriculture, struggle to afford safe storage, quality inputs, or organic farming methods. Middlemen exploit them, often pushing low-quality or contaminated produce into the market. Financial support, fair pricing, and access to affordable technology are needed to empower farmers to adopt safer food production practices.

Infrastructure Deficiencies

India has only 150+ accredited food testing labs against the required 500+, leading to delayed safety checks. Less than 10 per cent of perishables have cold storage access, causing massive spoilage. Expanding lab networks, improving cold chain logistics, and upgrading storage facilities are critical to reducing food waste and contamination.

Export Rejections Hurt India’s Reputation

Indian agro-exports, especially basmati rice and spices, face frequent rejections by the US and EU due to excessive pesticide residues. This results in $15-20 billion in lost export potential annually. Stricter quality control, compliance with international standards, and better farmer training can help India regain global trust in its food products.

Solutions and the Way Forward

Farmer Education & Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

Training farmers via KVKs and NGOs on safe pesticide use, hygienic harvesting, and organic alternatives can significantly reduce contamination. Awareness programs on residue limits and proper handling will improve food safety at the source.

Promoting Organic/Natural Farming

Government schemes like PKVY and Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati must expand to incentivize the quality of produce but also opens doors to export markets and allows farmers to command premium prices.

Strengthening Infrastructure

Investing in cold chains, food testing labs, and modern processing units is essential. Upgrading APMCs with food safety checks will ensure better quality control before produce reaches consumers.

Technology for Traceability

Blockchain-based farm-to-fork tracking and Al-powered pesticide advisory apps can enhance transparency and help farmers make informed decisions, reducing contamination risks.

Policy Reforms & Stronger Enforcement

Expanding FassI’s rural presence and imposing strict penalties for adulteration will deter malpractices. Regular inspections and faster legal action are needed to enforce food safety laws effectively.

Consumer Awareness

Expanding the 'Eat Right India’ campaign and mandating clear food safety labels will help consumers make informed choices, creating demand for safer food.

Conclusion:

Consumers are also largely unaware of food safety risks, making them vulnerable to adulterated and unsafe products. Public awareness campaigns, training programmes for food handlers, and stricter hygiene enforcement in markets can significantly improve food safety. Educating both producers and consumers is key to ensuring safer food practices across India.