Govt plans to set norms on food packaging and food safety

Government is working on new packaging norms for exports of food items to come over against the concern of food safety and health standards after some Indian food products rejected by many developed countries. The Ministry of commerce and Industry has constituted a standing committee to formulate packaging standards for export of 500 products including fresh fruits, vegetables, tea, spices and coffee.

Ministry official said “The regulations will be in sync with those of developed markets such as the US, Vietnam, the European Union, and Japan”.

A government person said on condition of anonymity “A large amount of contamination can happen during transit if the packaging is not done properly,” said the official. “The government is keen to promote exports of fresh and processed food products and is hoping that these regulations will help in increased business for exporters.”

NC Saha, Director of Indian Institute of Packaging said “The committee has representation from Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), several research institutes and industry associations such as Tea Board of India and Coffee Board of India.  We have already suggested standards for packaging fresh fruits and vegetables and submitted it to the ministry and are working on packaging for spices and tea”.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has on several occasions refused entry to Indian food items such as spices, basmati rice, fisheries and herbal products.

Russia had also imposed ban on import of rice and peanuts from India on grounds of contamination. Australia had issued an advisory that Indian exporters involved in the exports of processed food products, especially containing milk, have not been following the relevant regulation of imports into Australia, after detection of cases violating the import regulations.