Tamil Nadu ranks first in food safety among large states**

The ‘State Food Safety Index 2021-2022’ was released by the Union Health Minister. It was published by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

As per the Food Safety Index 2021-2022, Tamil Nadu state topped the list, in the category of large States. The award was handed over to the Tamil Nadu’s Officer on Special Duty and Commissioner of Food Safety, in recognition of the State’s overall performance on various parameters of food safety.

The state government of Tamil Nadu, requested hotels and eateries to hand over the oil to agents for conversion into biodiesel or non-cooking purposes, to prevent reuse of cooking oil.

Under the UT category, Jammu and Kashmir topped the list.

A total of 11 districts from Tamil Nadu were honoured for the best performance in the ‘Eat Right Challenge’, organised by the FSSAI. The districts were Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Salem, Coimbatore, Chennai, Tirunelveli, Erode, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Tiruppur and Dindigul.

The parameters of the State Food Safety Index are as follows;

1. Human resources and institutional data
2. Compliance
3. Food testing infrastructure and surveillance
4. Training and capacity-building
5. Consumer empowerment

Each district’s performance on each of these parameters was assessed for the past one year. A total of 150 districts across the country had participated in the challenge. Out of 150, 75 districts were selected for the best performance award.

The HR&CE has worked with the state FSSAI wing, and more than 400 temples in the state have BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God) certification.

   Important points for the exam:

• The ‘State Food Safety Index 2021-2022’ was released by the Union Health Minister. The index was published by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• In the index, Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir topped the list under the large states and Union Territories categories respectively.
• A total of 11 districts from Tamil Nadu were honoured for the best performance in the ‘Eat Right Challenge’, organised by the FSSAI. 
• The parameters of the list are Human resources and institutional data, Compliance, Food testing infrastructure and surveillance, Training and capacity-building, Consumer empowerment.

   Facts to know:

• Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare: Mr.Mansukh L. Mandaviya - also the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established in 2011.
• Chairman of FSSAI: Ms.Rita Teaotia.
• Headquarters of FSSAI: New Delhi.