Introduction

Once again, Kerala has secured the highest rank in the 2024 State Food Safety Index by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), signifying a significant achievement in ensuring public health and safety. This acknowledgment highlights the state's unwavering commitment to maintaining elevated food safety standards for its citizens for two years in a row.

The FSSAI State Food Safety Index evaluates states and union territories based on various key parameters, such as food safety compliance, infrastructure, the training of food handlers, and consumer outreach. Kerala's excellent rating in all these parameters again puts it at the head of the nation in food safety initiatives.

The Chief Minister felt proud about this notable achievement while pointing out that only getting ranked as the state number one for the second consecutive year in the FSSAI State Food Safety Index truly reflects the government's stern commitment to increasing safety standards in food and protecting the health and well-being of citizens.

The Chief Minister is guiding Kerala to pursue various developments to strengthen food safety regulations and infrastructure. There have been focus points on broad training programs for food handlers so that they are well-updated with hygiene practices, along with the handling of safe food. Providing the highest quality at each step of the supply chain in the food supply chain comes through such training sessions and helps them to be well within the confines of FSSAI guidelines.

Improvement in the food safety infrastructure has also been recorded in Kerala, starting from the establishment of advanced laboratories and testing centers for food products as well as sternly regulating the procedure for obtaining an FSSAI License to ensure all foods offered to consumers have been strictly tested. Great efforts have been directed by the government toward making it easier for food businesses to apply for an FSSAI License to allow more accountability in the industry.

Public awareness campaigns have been a potent enabler for promoting food safety in the state, thereby making citizens aware of safe food practices, their rights as consumers, and the role that FSSAI License plays for food vendors. It has empowered consumers with awareness and thereby developed a culture of public safety and responsibility.

The state has also used technology to enhance monitoring and compliance through digital platforms for real-time reporting and inspections that streamline the food safety system and allow for quick action on emerging safety concerns. This allows appropriate issues related to food safety to be raised promptly, thus protecting public health.

Our continuing focus on the highest safety standards for food was posited by the Chief Minister. Accordingly, we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in practice. We want to ensure that every citizen has access to safe and nutritious food.

Even as Kerala celebrates this great achievement, the state continues to work in collaboration with the FSSAI and other key persons engaged in ensuring food safety as a best practice for their further development. The constant pursuit of excellence by the state in food safety becomes an example not only for its citizens but also for others to emulate.