<h4>Introduction to Food Safety Initiatives in India</h4><p>India has launched several significant campaigns and initiatives to ensure <strong>food safety</strong> and promote healthy eating habits among its citizens. These efforts are primarily spearheaded by the <strong>Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)</strong>, an autonomous statutory body established under the <strong>Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006</strong>.</p><p>The overarching goal is to create a robust ecosystem that guarantees safe, nutritious, and wholesome food for everyone, addressing both public health and economic aspects.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Relevance:</strong> These initiatives are crucial for <strong>GS-II (Government Policies and Interventions)</strong> and <strong>GS-III (Food Processing, Public Health, Environment)</strong>. Understanding their objectives and impact is vital for Mains answers.</p></div><h4>World Food Safety Day</h4><p><strong>World Food Safety Day (WFSD)</strong> is observed annually to draw global attention to the importance of food safety. It highlights that safe food is essential for human health and well-being, as well as for economic prosperity.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Facts:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Date:</strong> Celebrated every year on <strong>June 7</strong>.</li><li><strong>Initiated by:</strong> The <strong>United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)</strong> in <strong>2018</strong>.</li><li><strong>Theme:</strong> Each year, a specific theme is chosen to focus on a particular aspect of food safety.</li></ul></div><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Objective:</strong> To inspire action to help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism, and sustainable development.</p></div><h4>Eat Right Station</h4><p>The <strong>Eat Right Station</strong> certification is an initiative by FSSAI to ensure that railway stations provide safe, hygienic, and nutritious food to passengers. It is part of the broader <strong>'Eat Right India' movement</strong>.</p><p>Stations are evaluated on various parameters including food handling, hygiene, waste management, and promotion of healthy food options. This helps in building consumer trust in food served at transit hubs.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Certification Process:</strong> Stations are audited by third-party agencies and awarded certification based on adherence to food safety and hygiene standards. The certification is typically valid for a specific period.</p></div><h4>Eat Right Mela</h4><p>The <strong>Eat Right Mela</strong> is a large-scale public outreach event organized by FSSAI to engage citizens and promote awareness about safe and healthy eating. These melas are often held in major cities across India.</p><p>They feature interactive activities, cooking demonstrations, health check-ups, and stalls offering nutritious food options. The aim is to make food safety and healthy eating a part of daily life.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Impact:</strong> Melas serve as platforms for direct engagement with the public, disseminating critical information on food adulteration, hygiene practices, and the benefits of a balanced diet.</p></div><h4>State Food Safety Index (SFSI)</h4><p>The <strong>State Food Safety Index (SFSI)</strong> is an annual assessment released by FSSAI to measure the performance of Indian states and Union Territories on various parameters of food safety. It encourages healthy competition among states to improve their food safety infrastructure.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Parameters:</strong> The index evaluates states based on five significant parameters:</p><ul><li><strong>Human Resources and Institutional Data</strong></li><li><strong>Compliance</strong></li><li><strong>Food Testing Infrastructure and Surveillance</strong></li><li><strong>Training and Capacity Building</strong></li><li><strong>Consumer Empowerment</strong></li></ul></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> SFSI rankings can be cited in answers related to federalism, public administration, and health governance, showcasing how states are performing in implementing central policies.</p></div><h4>RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil)</h4><p>The <strong>RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil)</strong> initiative by FSSAI aims to collect and convert used cooking oil into biodiesel. This addresses both food safety concerns (as repeatedly used oil becomes unhealthy) and environmental sustainability.</p><p>FSSAI has set up an ecosystem for collection and conversion, involving various stakeholders from food businesses to biodiesel manufacturers. This initiative promotes a circular economy model.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Dual Benefit:</strong> It prevents the unhealthy practice of reusing cooking oil multiple times in food preparation and provides a sustainable source for biofuel production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.</p></div><h4>Food Safety Mitra</h4><p>The <strong>Food Safety Mitra (FSM)</strong> scheme is a professional ecosystem created by FSSAI to support food businesses in complying with the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules, and Regulations. FSMs are individuals trained and certified by FSSAI.</p><p>They assist food businesses with various services, including licensing, registration, hygiene ratings, and training. This initiative aims to strengthen the food safety ecosystem by creating a network of skilled professionals.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Categories of FSMs:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Digital Mitra:</strong> Assists with online licensing and registration.</li><li><strong>Trainer Mitra:</strong> Conducts training programs for food handlers.</li><li><strong>Hygiene Mitra:</strong> Helps businesses improve hygiene standards and get hygiene ratings.</li></ul></div><h4>100 Food Streets</h4><p>The <strong>100 Food Streets</strong> initiative, launched by the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare</strong> in collaboration with FSSAI, aims to develop 100 hygienic food streets across the country. The objective is to ensure safe and healthy food options are available in popular street food hubs.</p><p>These food streets will adhere to specific standards for hygiene, waste management, and food quality, providing a safe environment for consumers to enjoy street food. This initiative also supports local vendors by upgrading their infrastructure and practices.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Significance:</strong> It formalizes and upgrades the unorganized street food sector, which is a significant part of India's food culture, ensuring public health protection while preserving livelihoods.</p></div>