FSSAI 45th CAC Meeting Highlights Importance of Enhanced Food Safety for Tourist Destinations in light of Tourist Season

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened its 45th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting today, urging States and Union Territories to enhance surveillance at popular tourist destinations in preparation for the peak tourist season, running from November to March. Given the significant influx of both domestic and international tourists during this period, States and UTs were advised to deploy Food Safety on Wheels Mobile Labs at these key locations to ensure elevated safety standards. Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, urged Food Commissioners across various states to intensify surveillance at warehouses and other facilities used by e-commerce platforms. He also called for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for these warehouses and the delivery personnel associated with these platforms. Additionally, States and UTs were advised to increase the number of surveillance samples and make use of Food Safety on Wheels mobile vans to support these efforts. The committee highlighted the importance of training Food Business Operators (FBOs) across all States and UTs through the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program, ensuring high standards of food safety and hygiene for the public. States and UTs were encouraged to train 25 lakh food handlers by March 2026, including those working in university, college, and hostel canteens. The meeting also emphasized the need for an integrated food safety approach, calling for collaboration among various ministries and stakeholders. States and UTs were encouraged to regularly hold Advisory Committee meetings at both the State and District levels. A key point of discussion was the importance of engaging consumers in promoting a culture of healthier eating, aligning with the goals of the Eat Right India movement. States were urged to enhance food safety awareness through initiatives such as fairs, walkathons, and street plays (Nukkad Nataks). The meeting saw active participation from over 60 officials, including Commissioners of Food Safety (CFS), representatives from States and UTs, senior FSSAI officials, as well as members from the food industry, consumer groups, agriculture sector, laboratories, and research bodies.