FSSAI plans to use next-gen technology to ensure food safety, quality
FSSAI plans to use next-gen technology to ensure food safety, quality

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on Tuesday shared that it is exploring the possibility of using next generation technological tools like blockchain and machine learning to ensure food safety and quality.

“These regulatory inspections are essential for ensuring food safety and quality for people,” shared Arun Singhal, CEO, FSSAI during a virtual event organised by industry chamber CII.

Singhal urged the industry and researchers to come up with simple tools or interventions which regulators can use, reported PTI.

The food safety body is lo0oking for a technique to detect the ratio of materials in a blend, a tool to prevent food fraud, real-time safety monitoring through affordable and rapid testing, among others.

"FSSAI is exploring the possibilities of using technological tools like blockchain, machine learning, etc in obtaining traceability information. Next generation tools like genome sequencing and innovations in chemical and molecular analysis can be very useful in the area of food authenticity and integrity,” added Singhal.

Singhal is also of the opinion that Internet of Things (IoT) has taken a big leap forward and can be used for mounting production and processing operations.

With regard to recycled-PET and recycled plastics for food products, Singhal said FSSAI has promulgated regulations to allow alternate packaging materials.

"However, the authority is also aware of the limitations. These materials are not available in volumes that are desired by the industry," he said, and urged the industry, academia and research bodies to explore ways of making these materials available in sufficient volumes at reasonable prices.

For FSSAI, Singhal said the major thrust areas are simplification of the regulatory regime, IT platforms, and registering as many food businesses as possible.

 
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