Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Govt. should ensure food safety' that was published in Newsband

Govt. should ensure food safety

It is clear that both the Central and State governments are very much concerned about the safety of mass-marketed branded noodles. Who said that our government is indifferent to matters of public safety? The testing of samples of Nestle’s ‘Maggi’ noodles to assess levels of lead, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other chemicals is the right step taken. Food safety, particularly in the case of aggressively promoted packaged snacks aimed at children, is critically important.

For its part, the food industry, which deploys enormous resources for lobbying and advertising, would help its own cause by cooperating with the investigation. Whether the targeting of celebrities for their endorsement of ‘Maggi’ products in the past is right is debatable. Here the advertisers are also not to be blamed. They are advertising for the products which are approved by government. Then how can these actors be blamed for these sort of problems? Problem is not with the actors. It is with the government. They should monitor these kinds of food products frequently. By complaining against others and filing cases against those who act in those ads are not the solutions.

The centre should make a committee to probe all other food preservative products and strictly act over it. The food authorities must also put a halt on artificial ripening of fruits through the aid of harmful chemical substances engaged in by vested interest traders with impunity.

To the most Indians, uninformed about food safety, the first thing that comes to their minds are the much touted name "Food safety Officers" these days who are none bigger than the low level functionary like sanitary inspectors of health departments, who occasionally visit petty shops in the name of inspection.

Let us burn down whole question to the authenticity of information. In this connection, the responsibility lies with the state manufacturing authorities who provide information related to quality assurance, technology and scientific assurances. Samples of Maggi noodles should be tested by authenticated different Government Labs. The results should be corroborated by independent and competent scientists.

Maggi seems to be the tip of the iceberg. In our persistent concern with food security, we have forgotten that food safety is equally important. There is a feeling that safety standards are a luxury for developing nations. Added to this is general consumer indifference to adulteration and poor quality of goods. Strict regulators and a vigilant public can help to improve compliance with food safety laws. Celebrities seldom use the products they endorse. The gullible people who fall for their duplicity are equally responsible for the mess. We must bear in mind the ‘buyer beware' principle.