Food Safety Index Announcement By Health Department

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently released the Statewise Scores of Food Safety. Mizoram scored 14.5 points in the Food Safety Index. Although the state received a lower score, this does not necessarily reflect the quality of food safety in Mizoram. The lower score is not an indicator of poor food or water quality in the state. The Health & Family Welfare Department’s Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has clarified the reasons for Mizoram’s score.

The Food Safety Index is an annual assessment conducted by FSSAI to evaluate the effectiveness of food safety measures across states. Points are awarded based on various parameters, and several factors contribute to a state’s score.

In Mizoram’s case, the lower score is not necessarily a reflection of poor food safety practices, as several hotels and restaurants in Aizawl achieved 5-star and 4-star hygiene ratings during audits conducted by FSSAI’s Food Safety Auditors. This indicates that the state’s food standards are generally high.

Mizoram’s food safety and sanitation standards are comparable to those of other states, and the state has not seen a significant number of major food accidents. However, there have been concerns about the consumption of contaminated fish, which has led to health issues. This is more due to external factors rather than a failure of the food safety system.

Key reasons for Mizoram’s lower score include:

1. Lack of Manpower: Mizoram has only two Food Safety Officers (FSOs), which is insufficient to cover the entire state. The FSSAI had recommended a higher number of FSOs, but this was not achieved, leading to a lower score.
2. Attendance at Meetings: There was a lack of consistent participation in the Central Advisory Committee meetings, as well as State and District Level Meetings, which contributed to the lower score.
3. Lack of Funding for Work Plans: Due to funding challenges, there were no food sample testing or food licensing camps, which also negatively impacted the score.
4. Eat Right Initiatives: Programs such as Eat Right Campus, Eat Right School, Clean Street Food, and Clean Fruit and Vegetable Hub were not fully implemented due to financial constraints, resulting in fewer points.
5. Legal Proceedings: There were no cases registered with the Adjudicating Officer or in court, primarily due to the lack of legal sample testing, which led to a reduction in points.
6. Appellate Tribunal: Mizoram has yet to establish an Appellate Tribunal, resulting in no points being awarded in this category.

With only two FSOs in the state, it has been challenging to manage food safety effectively, so District Drug Inspectors have also been tasked with food safety responsibilities. However, with only a small number of staff, there are limitations to what can be achieved.

In 2024, the FSSAI approved the hiring of seven outsourced FSOs for Mizoram, and this is expected to improve the situation. Additionally, new positions for Food Analysts, Assistant Food Analysts, Designated Officers, and FSOs have been created. Once these roles are filled, it is anticipated that Mizoram’s food safety performance will improve significantly.