Assignment Code: MVP-002/TMA/2022

Course Code: MVP-002

Assignment Name: Food Safety and Quality Management

Year: 2022

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Note: Attempt all the questions.

Q1) Visit www.fssai.gov.in and read the Food safety and standards regulations. List the Food safety and standard regulations. Describe important features of the Food safety and standard (Packaging) regulation, 2018.

Ans) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is responsible for regulating and supervising the food industry in India. The FSSAI has several food safety and quality regulations. Major rules include:

1. Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011

2. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011

3. Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011

4. Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011

5. Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety and Standards Management System) Regulations, 2017

6. The Food Safety and Standard (Packaging) Regulation, 2018

The Food Safety and Standard (Packaging) Regulation, 2018 deals with the packaging of food products and the packaging materials used. The regulation lays down the standards for packaging material and packaging containers, and the requirement for labelling. Some of the important features of the regulation are:

1. Permitted Materials: The list of materials that may be used to package food products is specified in the regulation. The supplies must be secure, sanitary, and appropriate for the intended use.

2. Food Contact Surface: The regulation specifies the requirements for the packaging material's food contact surface to ensure that it does not compromise the food's safety and quality. The material must be resistant to the migration of substances from the packaging material to the food and must not transfer any harmful substances to the food.

3. Migration Limits: The regulation establishes migration thresholds for substances that could transfer from packaging to food. The restrictions are established based on the kind of food and the packaging material's intended use.

4. Labelling Requirements: The regulation specifies how packaging components and containers must be labelled. The labelling must include details such as the kind of substance used, the manufacturer, and contact information.

In conclusion, the regulations for food safety and standards are intended to guarantee the quality and safety of food products in India. The laws cover every facet of food production, including food registration and licencing.

Q2) (a) Explain salient features of FTDR Act 1992.

Ans) The Foreign Trade Development and Regulation Act of 1992 is an Indian act that governs the foreign trade activities in India. The act provides a framework for the regulation and development of foreign trade in India. The following are the salient features of the FTDR Act of 1992:

1. Trade Promotion: The act empowers the central government to promote foreign trade in India through measures such as offering incentives, providing financial assistance, and creating infrastructure for trade.

2. Export Import Policy: The act provides for the formulation of the Export Import Policy which outlines the rules and regulations for exports and imports.

3. Licensing and Registration: The act requires all persons engaged in foreign trade to be registered and obtain licenses for regulation and monitoring by the government.

4. Foreign Exchange Management: The act provides for the regulation of foreign exchange by the Reserve Bank of India and regulates foreign exchange transactions and maintenance of foreign exchange reserves.

5. Delegation of Powers: The act delegates powers to the central government, state governments, and other authorities for efficient implementation of the act.

6. Export Obligation: The act imposes an export obligation on persons engaged in foreign trade, requiring a specified percentage of exports to be made in certain specified products or to certain countries.

Q2) (b) Describe different export promotion schemes which are in operation in the country.

Ans) Some of the export promotion programmes in India that aim to reward and encourage exporters and boost the nation's exports include:

1. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS): This programme offers duty exemptions for exports of goods to markets.

2. Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS): For services exported from India to certain nations, under this programme, duty benefits are provided.

3. Advance Authorization Scheme: The import of inputs needed for the export of finished goods is permitted under this scheme duty-free.

4. Export Oriented Units (EOU) Scheme: Units that export goods benefit from this scheme in terms of taxes and duties.

5. Electronic Hardware Technology Park Scheme (EHTP): This programme gives units located in designated electronic hardware technology parks tax and duty benefits.

6. Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Scheme: Units located in designated Special Economic Zones benefit from this scheme in terms of taxes and duties.

7. Focus Product Scheme (FPS): Exporters of specific goods to specific markets can benefit from this programme.

Q3) Define the Codex and its functions. Describe standards setting process followed by the Codex.

Ans) The Codex Alimentarius is an international food standards organization established by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization of the United Nations. It was created in 1963 to develop harmonized food standards to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair trade practices in the food trade. The main functions of the Codex are:

1. Developing and Updating Food Standards: The Codex develops science-based standards and guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of food products traded internationally.

2. Providing a Reference Point: The Codex standards and guidelines serve as a reference point for national and international food regulations.

3. Promoting International Trade: The Codex helps to remove trade barriers by providing internationally recognized standards for food products.

4. Protecting Consumer Health: The Codex develops and updates standards for food additives, contaminants, residues, and other food-related issues to protect consumer health.

The standards-setting process followed by the Codex is a transparent and inclusive one. The process involves the following steps:

1. Proposal: A proposal to develop or revise a standard is submitted by a government or an international organization.

2. Consultation: The proposal is discussed and reviewed by Codex committees and other relevant stakeholders such as governments, industry, and consumer organizations.

3. Adoption: If a consensus is reached, the standard is adopted and becomes part of the Codex Alimentarius.

4. Implementation: The adopted standards are used by countries as a basis for their national food regulations.

The Codex Alimentarius is recognized as a trusted and authoritative source of food standards by the World Trade Organization and its members. The Codex standards provide a basis for food trade between countries and help to ensure the safety, quality, and fairness of food products traded globally.

Q4) Explain the role of BIS and AGMARK standards in maintaining Food Quality Standards.

Ans) BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) and AGMARK (Agricultural Marketing) are two organizations in India that play a crucial role in maintaining food quality standards in the country.

BIS is the national standardization body in India and is responsible for setting standards for various products and services, including food. BIS sets standards for food quality, safety, and packaging, and these standards are used by food manufacturers and suppliers as guidelines for producing and selling safe and high-quality food products. The standards set by BIS are based on scientific and technical data and consider the latest developments and advancements in the food industry. The standards are regularly updated to reflect changes in technology and consumer preferences and are enforceable by law.

AGMARK is an agricultural product certification and grading system in India, established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. AGMARK certifies and grades agricultural products, including food items, based on their quality, purity, and nature. AGMARK certification is a hallmark of quality for food products and provides consumers with assurance of the product's quality and purity. The AGMARK certification process involves rigorous inspection and testing of food products by AGMARK officials, and the certification is granted only to those products that meet the specified quality and purity standards.

Both BIS and AGMARK standards play a crucial role in maintaining food quality standards in India. By setting and enforcing standards for food quality, safety, and packaging, these organizations help to protect consumer health and ensure that food products traded in the country are of high quality. The standards set by BIS and AGMARK also provide a level playing field for food manufacturers and suppliers, promoting fair competition and protecting the interests of consumers.

In conclusion, BIS and AGMARK standards are important in maintaining food quality standards in India. They help to ensure the availability of safe and high-quality food products, promote fair trade practices, and protect consumer health. The standards set by these organizations are based on scientific and technical data, are regularly updated, and are enforceable by law, making them a trusted and authoritative source of information for food quality and safety in India.

Q5) (a) Explain the salient features of the Export Inspection Council.

Ans) The Export Inspection Council is a regulatory body in India established in 1963 and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The EIC plays a crucial role in promoting and regulating exports of agricultural and processed food products from India. Some of the key features of the EIC include:

1. Inspection and Certification: The EIC is responsible for conducting inspections and providing certification for exports of agricultural and processed food products. The certification ensures that the products meet the required quality and safety standards and are eligible for export.

2. Promoting Exports: The EIC works to promote exports of agricultural and processed food products by providing support and assistance to exporters and raising awareness about export opportunities.

3. Monitoring Quality and Safety Standards: The EIC monitors the quality and safety of exports and takes action to ensure that they meet the specified standards.

4. Coordination with Other Agencies: The EIC works closely with other agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

5. Technical Assistance: The EIC provides technical assistance and training to exporters to help them understand the requirements for exporting their products and improve their quality and safety.

Q5) (b) What are standards of emission or discharge of environmental pollutants?

Ans) Standards of emission or discharge of environmental pollutants refer to the maximum levels of pollutants that can be released into the environment from various sources, such as industrial facilities, power plants, and transportation. The standards are established to protect the environment and human health and are based on scientific evidence of the adverse effects of the pollutants.

These standards typically include limits on emissions of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide. They are established by regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States and are designed to ensure that the levels of pollutants released into the environment are below levels that could cause harm to human health or the environment.

The standards of emission or discharge of environmental pollutants are often established in accordance with national and international agreements, such as the Clean Air Act in the United States and the European Union's Air Quality Directive. These standards are subject to regular review and revision as new scientific information becomes available, and are enforced through a variety of mechanisms, such as fines and penalties for non-compliance.