The 49th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was held in Gangtok on March 2, with Sikkim hosting the key gathering for the first time.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Sikkim Health Secretary Tshewang Gyachho said the State was proud to host the high-level discussions. He said the aim of convening the 49th CAC meeting was to reaffirm the commitment of the national food regulator along with State and Union Territory authorities towards building a stronger, enforcement-driven and consumer-focused food safety system.
He said deliberations centred on ensuring that citizens across the country have access to safe and wholesome food. Commissioners of Food Safety and senior officials from various States and UTs participated in the meeting, discussing ways to strengthen on-ground enforcement, especially in high-risk food categories.
Among the key issues discussed were improving compliance standards, stepping up surveillance mechanisms and enhancing coordination among regulatory agencies for more effective implementation of food safety laws.
Gyachho said hosting the meeting reflects Sikkim’s commitment to upholding high standards of food safety and public health. He added that the sharing of ideas and best practices would help States and UTs further strengthen food safety measures across the country.