Added sugar in Nestle baby products complies with regulations: Nadda

Added sugar in Nestle baby products complies with regulations: Nadda

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda clarified in the Lok Sabha that the added sugar in Nestle baby products complies with both Indian and global standards, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
• He stated that the sugar limits specified in these regulations align with global standards set by the Codex Alimentarius, which incorporates recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Background:

• Earlier, following media reports, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took suo motu cognizance of a report by a Swiss NGO that raised concerns about the sugar content in wheat-based baby food products. The report questioned the addition of sugar to these products, which led to the regulatory review.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):

• FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006.
• The Act of 2006, consolidates various laws related to food, such as the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, the Fruit Products Order, 1955, the Meat Food Products Order, 1973, and other acts that were previously handled by different ministries and departments.
• The Act also aims to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards, by moving from multi-level, multi-departmental control to a single line of command.
• FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety and quality in India, operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• FSSAI has a headquarters in New Delhi and regional offices in eight zones across the country.

Functions and Powers:

• Framing of regulations and standards for food products and additives.
• Granting of licences and registration to food businesses.
• Enforcement of food safety laws and regulations.
• Monitoring and surveillance of food safety and quality.
• Conducting risk assessment and scientific research on food safety issues.
• Providing training and awareness on food safety and hygiene.
• Promoting food fortification and organic food.

Codex Alimentarius:

• The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations published by the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization relating to food, food production, food labelling, and food safety.