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R.N.I.NO. DEL/ENG/2016/66563

20 BACK PAGE May 2025
Food Processing News Today
APEDA mulls strategies to boost

exports of agri, processed foods

he commerce ministry's arm APEDA Agricultural production and productivity
is mulling formulation of strategies both are the need of the hour, the
Tto boost export of agricultural and secretary has said, adding the ministry will
further deliberate on the ideas and
strategies discussed during the sessions.
Secretary of the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries Subrata Gupta
highlighted the importance of
infrastructure development and value
addition to ensure sustainable export
growth.
He emphasised that there is a need to
processed food products from India, an develop infrastructure, sanitary and
official statement said on Sunday. phytosanitary standards on par with
The Agricultural and Processed Food international norms, tariff plans and more
Products Authority (APEDA) held an inter- synergy between the Union, state
ministerial dialogue to deliberate on the governments, various departments and
strategy last week here. industry stakeholders.
Representatives from state governments, He identified key potential products and
policy experts, industry leaders from agri sectors for processed foods exports like
trade and processed foods sector also alcoholic beverages, nutraceuticals and
participated in the discussions. value-added products.
Speaking at the forum, Commerce Special Secretary in the commerce
Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that the ministry Rajesh Agrawal emphasised on
government is committed to reducing the need to have a more synergetic
logistical barriers and enhancing market approach amongst various stakeholders to
access for Indian agri and processed food take agriculture, processed food and value-
products. added products to new geographies.
He added that academia and research The sectors which were discussed at length
institutions must be part of multi-sectoral are rice (basmati and non-basmati), animal
consultations so that research and products, horticulture, processed foods,
development can be a major focus for and organic products.
innovation and sustainability in agri The country's agri exports are estimated to
exports. have crossed $50 billion in 2024-25.
FSSAI launches new digital tool for consumers

to report misleading claims on labels

he Food Safety and Standards (FBOs), it added.
Authority of India (FSSAI) said that it Easy submission
Thas has introduced a new digital utility This consumer-centric step builds upon
tool that will enable consumers to directly FSSAI's regulatory framework which
report misleading claims made on food mandates that all claims made on food
product labels. It said this move is aligned products” must be truthful, unambiguous,
with its Advertisement and Claims meaningful, not misleading and the claim
Monitoring Committee and will strengthen that a food has certain nutritional or health
ground-level vigilance. attributes shall be scientifically
“Consumers can now lodge complaints substantiated.” “The initiative is also aligned
regarding misleading or false claims with the functioning of FSSAI's
displayed on packaged food items through Advertisement and Claims Monitoring
the Food Safety Connect mobile application Committee (AMC), which monitors claims
or via Food Safety Compliance System. This made on the label and in the advertisement
initiative is part of FSSAI's ongoing efforts to of food products to check regulatory
promote transparency, protect consumer compliance. The new reporting mechanism
rights and strengthen food safety regulations strengthens ground-level vigilance by
in the country,” it said in an official statement. empowering consumers to act as the eyes
The tool facilitates easy submission of and ears of the food safety authority,” the
essential details such as front-of-pack images food safety authority stated.
highlighting the misleading claim, the FSSAI “FSSAI encourages all citizens to actively
license or registration number of the participate in this initiative to ensure honesty
manufacturer, and the e-commerce URL if in food labelling and contribute to building a
the product is being sold online. These inputs healthier and well-informed India. The Food
will support regulatory authorities in taking Safety Connect mobile application is
prompt and evidence-based action against available for download on the Google Play
non-compliant Food Business Operators Store and Apple App Store,” it added.

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