Cabinet Clears Extension of Fortified Rice Scheme until December 2028 to Combat Anaemia In a significant move addressing public health concerns, the Union cabinet has approved the extension of the fortified rice scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare initiatives. This extension will run from July 2024 to December 2028, with a projected cost of ₹17,082 crore. Key Highlights Timeline: Extension from July 2024 to December 2028 Financial Outlay: […]

FSSAI Releases SOPs to Combat Milk Contamination and Adulteration Introduction In a significant move to ensure the safety and quality of milk, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) targeting primary milk producers, including small dairy units not affiliated with cooperative societies. Key Highlights Objective Purpose: To mitigate the risk of milk contamination and adulteration. Target: Primary milk producers and small dairy units. Areas of Focus Sanitation […]

Government Plans Crackdown on Fair Pricing in Besan Market Introduction In an effort to ensure transparency and fairness in the besan market, the Indian government is preparing to implement stringent measures. These steps are aimed at addressing the use of cheaper yellow pea in gram flour (besan) production, which is being sold at prices comparable to those made with premium chana dal or Bengal gram. Context and Current Scenario In December 2023, the Union government […]

Addressing the National Crisis of Adulteration: From Laddus to Pharmaceuticals Adulteration remains a pervasive issue in India, affecting not only beloved cultural staples like the Tirupati laddus but also essential commodities such as spices and pharmaceuticals. Understanding the scope of this crisis and its implications on both national and international fronts is crucial for businesses and policymakers alike. The Tirupati Laddu Controversy: A Case Study The controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddus illustrates the complexities involved […]

Government Launches Portal to Send Alerts on Food Import Rejections In a significant move to enhance food safety standards, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a new online portal. This initiative aims to notify the public and relevant authorities about food import rejections at Indian borders. The announcement marks a key achievement in the first 100 days of the new government. Food Import Rejection Alert (FIRA) Portal Features and Benefits […]