“Strengthening the Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Ecosystem Towards Enhancing the State Food Safety Index”

20 August 2024: Bengaluru, Karnataka
” Emphasis on strengthening the rapid and instant food testing ecosystem through Public Private Partnerships in the State of Karnataka- stated by the Principal Secretary, Dept. of Health & Family Welfare.”
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and FDA Karnataka supported by Herbalife organized the State Connect program focused on “Strengthening the Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Ecosystem: Towards Enhancing the State Food Safety Index” in Bengaluru on 20 August 2024. This session has been envisaged to create awareness about the Eat Right India Movement at Karnataka and to strengthen the food safety & regulatory ecosystem at large. 
Addressing the Inaugural session @CIISateConnect, Bengaluru, Mr Harsh Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka highlighted a three-pronged approach on Food Safety through encouraging self- compliance, strengthening the food testing ecosystem and collaborative approach among all stakeholders including Food Industry. Additionally augmenting efforts to encourage food safety at e-commerce platform via hygienic rating scheme is much needed in interest of consumers, he added.

Ms Inoshi Sharma, IRS, Executive Director FSSAI, updated on FSSAIs new initiatives, including a Tatkal scheme for instant licensing, simplifying procedures for Food Business Operators (FBOs) through end-to-end online processes. Special emphasis is placed on empowering women, transgender entrepreneurs, and the specially abled in the food industry. The ‘Eat Right India’ campaign continues to transform food safety across various sectors, with Karnataka leading in certifications. Additionally, the FoSTaC program aims to train 2.5 million operators in the next three years to ensure nationwide compliance with food safety standards.
Mr Julian Cacchioli, VP Corporate Affairs- EMEA & India, Corporate Communications, Herbalife, UK highlighted the significant contribution of India’s rich and natural ingredient heritage in global scenario and its growing potential in interest of public health at large. India’s regulator’s focus on research and development, EoDB policies enable a cohesive food ecosystem.
Mr Shardul Kshirsagar, Convenor CII Karnataka State Agri and Food Processing Panel and MD & CEO, Fowler Westrup (I) Pvt. Ltd. in his opening remarks, highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives towards ensuring Food safety and compliance to enable a sustainable and resilient food ecosystem in the Country

Expert-led special training sessions covered aspects on regulatory compliance for food businesses on licensing, labelling, digital platform for food fortification and training session for state Food Lab personal with demonstration. Over 300 participants comprising of food processors, lab professionals, Rice Millers and startups joined the interaction and capacity building training sessions.
The State Connect session – Karnataka was unique and timely initiative which focused on strengthening the interface with stakeholders and enabled build capacity on regulatory compliance by providing an update on the key food safety & quality measures and initiatives.