For the second consecutive year, Kerala has secured the top position in the 2024 State Food Safety Index (SFSI), affirming its dedication to maintaining the highest food safety standards in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) revealed these rankings at the Global Food Regulators Summit 2024, recognizing Kerala’s outstanding efforts in creating a robust food safety ecosystem.
Overview of the Rankings
Kerala’s consistent focus on food safety has placed it at the top of the 2024 SFSI rankings, followed closely by Tamil Nadu in second place, and Jammu and Kashmir in third. Gujarat, which had previously claimed the top position in 2021, dropped to fourth this year. These dynamic shifts in rankings underscore the evolving nature of food safety performance across Indian states, as each region continues to enhance its food safety measures and infrastructure.
What is the State Food Safety Index (SFSI)?
Launched in 2019, the State Food Safety Index (SFSI) was developed to assess how effectively Indian states and union territories ensure food safety for their citizens. The index evaluates performance across five core parameters:
- Human Resources and Institutional Data: This assesses the adequacy of food safety personnel and institutions in the state.
- Compliance: The state’s ability to follow food safety regulations and standards.
- Food Testing Infrastructure and Surveillance: The quality and reach of food testing labs, and the effectiveness of monitoring systems.
- Training and Capacity Building: Efforts to train food handlers and enhance food safety knowledge.
- Consumer Empowerment: Initiatives that raise awareness about food safety among the public.
These criteria form a comprehensive evaluation of a state’s ability to protect consumers from unsafe food practices while fostering an environment of compliance and awareness.
Kerala’s Achievements in Food Safety
Kerala’s top performance in the 2024 SFSI is the result of focused strategies and initiatives aimed at improving food safety in the state. Some of the key actions that have contributed to Kerala’s success include:
- Exceeding inspection targets: Kerala conducted more food safety inspections than the set benchmarks, demonstrating its proactive approach.
- Improving food testing infrastructure: Enhanced laboratories with modern equipment have been established to ensure more accurate and timely food testing.
- Increasing licensed food operators: Targeted campaigns have led to a significant increase in the number of businesses operating with the correct food safety licenses, ensuring wider compliance.
Recognition and Impact
The FSSAI has specifically commended Kerala for surpassing its food safety inspection targets for 2023-24. The state’s commitment to strengthening its food safety infrastructure and running effective consumer awareness campaigns has set a benchmark for other states to follow. By focusing on both regulatory compliance and public education, Kerala has created a holistic model for food safety that others in the country can replicate.
Government Initiatives in Kerala
Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, has highlighted several critical initiatives that have propelled the state to the top of the SFSI rankings:
- Regular food safety inspections: Frequent checks to ensure businesses meet food safety standards.
- Food sample collection for testing: Rigorous testing of food products to identify and address potential safety concerns.
- Legal action against violators: Strict enforcement of food safety regulations through legal channels.
- Accrediting laboratories: Continuous improvements in the state’s food testing capabilities.
- Training and public education: Ongoing efforts to train food handlers and raise public awareness about the importance of food safety.
These initiatives represent a concerted effort by Kerala to prioritize food safety, ensuring that both businesses and consumers understand their roles in maintaining high standards.
About the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Established in 2006 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for safeguarding the quality and safety of the food consumed by millions of Indians. The FSSAI sets rules regarding food labeling, packaging, additives, and contamination, and its certification ensures that a product adheres to stringent safety regulations. The authority also runs various training programs on food safety, working closely with international bodies such as Codex Alimentarius to align India’s standards with global benchmarks. FSSAI’s headquarters is located in New Delhi, and its logo serves as a mark of compliance with food safety standards.
Summing Up
Kerala’s continued success in the State Food Safety Index highlights the state’s leadership in ensuring food safety across India. By exceeding inspection goals, improving food testing infrastructure, and fostering consumer awareness, Kerala has created a model of excellence. As states like Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir follow closely behind, India’s collective commitment to food safety is becoming stronger. With the ongoing efforts of the FSSAI, and the leadership shown by states like Kerala, the future of food safety in India is headed in a positive direction, promising safer and healthier food for all citizens.