Stepped-Up Scrutiny
In response to mounting worries about the prevalence of substandard food items, the state of Andhra Pradesh is significantly increasing its vigilance over food safety. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav
has mandated that Food Safety officials actively conduct inspections to curb the sale and use of adulterated products, aligning with the stringent regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Act. During a recent session in the State Legislative Assembly, the Minister acknowledged that current inspection levels are insufficient and require a substantial boost to be truly effective. He assured the assembly that decisive departmental actions are being implemented against any entities found to be involved in deceptive food practices. This heightened enforcement is a critical step in reassuring citizens about the integrity of their food supply.
Boosting Capacity
To bolster the state's capacity to detect and deter food adulteration, significant investments are being channeled into infrastructure and personnel. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has greenlit the recruitment of 150 new personnel, with further recruitment processes advancing through various stages. This is a crucial move to address existing vacancies, particularly at the IPM headquarters, where a notable number of the 279 sanctioned posts remain unfilled. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the state is establishing five new advanced laboratories, with a total investment of Rs 100 crore. The laboratory in Visakhapatnam has already reached completion, and operational testing is anticipated to commence shortly, marking a substantial upgrade in the state's food analysis capabilities.
