Nadda For Regulatory Norms On Food Safety
Says it’s time to address innovative food trends such as lab-grown meat, plant-based proteins
Union Minister JP Nadda addresses a press conference on 100 days and achievements of MoHFW, in New Delhi on Friday
New Delhi: Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday stressed the need for rigorous food safety standards and an adaptable regulatory framework to address innovative food trends such as plant-based proteins, insect proteins, and lab-grown meat.
Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day global food regulators summit in the national capital, Nadda emphasised the importance of widespread adoption of organic farming globally to mitigate the risks posed by pesticide residues in food. The minister expressed concern over recent reports revealing an “alarming presence of microplastics in humans” and highlighted India’s efforts in developing eco-friendly packaging to reduce environmental impact.
“The rapid globalisation, technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping our food systems at an unprecedented pace. We face a complex area of challenge from persistent foodborne illness and emerging concerns such as nutraceutical safety, novel foods and microplastics in our food chain while striving for sustainability,” Nadda said.
He added that the role of food regulators has never been more crucial, demanding continuous collaboration, relentless innovation, and a commitment to constant improvement in food safety systems. Nadda called for greater adoption of organic farming globally, stating, “India’s efforts in promoting organic farming, an alternative pest control method, are steps in the right direction. But more widespread adoption is needed globally.” The minister announced that India has established a National Research Foundation with a budget of almost $5.9 million from 2024-28 to scale up research across various sectors, including food safety.
4.2L deaths annually due to unsafe food: WTO
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday highlighted the critical role of food regulators in combating unsafe food, which causes 600 million cases of foodborne diseases and 4,20,000 deaths annually.
In a video message to the second Global Food Regulators Summit in Delhi, Ghebreyesus said, “Our food systems are facing increasing challenges due to climate change, population growth, new technologies, globalisation and industrialisation.”
