Food security is important to ensure the health and well-being of people around the world. The growing food industry along with advances in food production and processing has made food safety a major area of focus. Regulatory bodies like the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) have taken on the responsibility of setting and enforcing standards to protect consumers from potential health risks. At the same time, food technology plays an integral role by applying scientific knowledge to improve food quality, preservation, and safety. Through a combination of stringent regulations and cutting-edge scientific advances, the industry works to address emerging concerns, ensuring the well-being of people around the world.

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What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established in 2008 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It ensures food safety by setting and enforcing standards for food products in India. The FSSAI regulates food labelling, food standards and additives, with the aim of protecting public health. To supervise food businesses, FSSAI issues three types of licences: FSSAI Basic Registration for small scale businesses with a turnover of less than ₹12 lakh, FSSAI State Licenses for medium-sized businesses with turnover up to ₹20 crore and FSSAI Central Licenses for larger businesses operating in the states or dealing with import/export. FSSAI ensures food safety throughout the food supply chain by granting licenses and enforcing hygiene and safety standards, from manufacturing to distribution.

Understanding FSSAI and Food Technology

FSSAI and food technology are interlinked in the sense that both aim to ensure food safety. Food technology applies science and engineering principles to the production, preservation, and processing of food. This includes the study of ingredients, food additives, packaging materials, and the development of new food products. Food technology includes several scientific disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry, and engineering. On the other hand, FSSAI focuses on the implementation and enforcement of food safety regulations. It ensures that food products on the market adhere to safety standards developed based on scientific research.

The FSSAI sets food standards that guide food technology practices, ensuring that innovations in food production and processing do not compromise food safety. Food technology and FSSAI have a symbiotic relationship. As food technology evolves, new methods of food preservation, packaging, and processing emerge. FSSAI uses scientific knowledge to regulate and ensure that these technologies are safe for public consumption. The role of FSSAI is to ensure that food businesses adopting new technologies adhere to established food safety standards.

Also Read: Why do FSSAI Licenses Matter for Every Food Business?

Role of Science in Food Safety

Science plays an important role in food safety, helping to prevent contamination, preserve food quality, and develop better ways to keep food safe for consumption. The role of science in food safety is:

• Microbial detection: Science helps identify harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi in food. Microbiological research ensures that food is free of contaminants that can cause foodborne illnesses.
• Food preservation technology: Chemical science helps develop preservatives and additives that extend the shelf life of food while maintaining safety. These innovations prevent spoilage and microbial growth, keeping food fresher for longer.
• Technological advances: Modern technology enables the rapid detection of contaminants in food. Advanced testing methods and equipment ensure that food products meet safety standards before they reach consumers.
• Improving food handling practices: Research provides guidelines on food handling, storage, and hygiene. This knowledge reduces the risk of contamination and ensures safe consumption throughout the food supply chain.
• Biotechnology in food security: Biotechnology enhances food security through genetically modified crops that resist pests and diseases, reduce the need for harmful pesticides, and improve food quality.

Also Read: How Can an FSSAI License Improve Your Food Safety Standards?

How is Food Technology and Food Safety Correlated?

Food technology and food safety are closely linked, as food technology innovations are often directly related to improving food safety. Food technology focuses on methods and techniques to produce, preserve, and enhance the quality of food. At the same time, food safety ensures that these innovations do not compromise the health and well-being of consumers.

• Preservation methods: Innovations such as refrigeration, freezing, and canning prevent microbial growth, extend shelf life, and maintain food quality. FSSAI regulates these processes to avoid harmful chemical changes.
• Packaging technology: Technologies like vacuum sealing and modified atmosphere packaging protect food from contamination and spoilage. These technologies maintain food safety during storage and transport, with FSSAI ensuring that packaging materials are safe and non-contaminated.
• Processing techniques: New methods such as high-pressure processing and infrared heating kill harmful pathogens while preserving nutritional value. These innovations ensure food safety throughout the product life cycle and FSSAI monitors their implementation to meet health standards.
• New food products: Food tech has introduced products like plant-based meat. The FSSAI evaluates their safety, checks ingredients, additives and production methods and ensures proper labelling for consumer protection.

Conclusion

FSSAI and food technology work hand in hand to ensure the safety and quality of food products. While FSSAI establishes and enforces food safety standards, food technology applies scientific innovations to improve food production, preservation, and processing methods. Together they address emerging food safety challenges, protecting consumers from health risks. Scientific advances in microbial detection, food preservation, biotechnology, and packaging technology contribute significantly to enhancing food safety. FSSAI’s regulatory framework ensures that these technological innovations conform to safety standards, ensuring that the food industry provides safe, high-quality products for consumers around the world. Synergy between science and regulation is critical for global food security and public health.