The government is taking several measures to ensure food safety without compromising on its quality. In this regard, proposals for setting up food testing labs as well as irradiation units across the country have been invited by the government. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is providing financial assistance to industry stakeholders keen on setting up food testing labs. Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Food Processing Industries Ranjit Singh said that a financial outlay of 500 crore rupees has been set up by the government to provide financial assistance for setting up 100 food testing laboratories with NABL accreditation across the country. The proposal application can be submitted on the Kisaan Sampada Portal till 20th of January.
The government has also launched a scheme to support the setting up of 50 food irradiation units across the country. The move is aimed at ensuring food hygiene and getting rid of harmful bacteria and insects in the food without changing its physical nature. Mr Singh informed that 14 food irradiation units have already been approved in the country. He asserted that the technique is totally safe and does not make the food radioactive. He added that food irradiation is essential for commodities that are organically produced, and they can also be preserved for a longer period of time.
