India moves to improve food safety in meat sector

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is tightening up on regulations for the poultry and meat industries, with new rules scheduled to come into force by the end of 2015.


Addressing drug residues in meat, poultry
The authority has formulated draft regulations, currently under review by stakeholders, that will regulate the maximum residues of veterinary drugs in meat and poultry products.
Pressure to tighten up on food safety regulations has come from consumer groups and non-governmental organizations, Indor-based food safety officer, Manish Swami, told Times of India.
"State drug-licensing authorities are empowered to take action against violators and food safety officers have also been asked to ensure enforcement under FSSAI," said Swami.


Meat and bone meals in feed
Concerns have also been raised over the inclusion of bovine- and porcine-origin meat and bone meals from in feeds for poultry and other livestock.
According to the newspaper, the central advisory committee meeting of FSSAI has previously proposed enforcement of legal provisions and regulations regarding meat and meat products, operations and management of slaughterhouses and animal-handling practices.
This development followed reports of unacceptable conditions and unethical practices in abattoirs and illegal slaughter activities in some states, leading to calls for better monitoring of these aspects by local city authorities.

Jackie Linden is a contributing writer for WATTAgNet.