Unsafe Food Leading to 4.2 Lakh Deaths & 600 Million Infections, Reveals FSSAI CEO

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The Global Food Regulators Summit 2023, organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), commenced on July 20 and 21 at Delhi's Manekshaw Centre. Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the summit in the presence of various ministers and attendees, alongside FSSAI CEO, G Kamala Vardhana Rao, who disclosed some startling facts about unsafe food.During the summit's first day, G Kamala Vardhana Rao presented a report shedding light on the devastating impact of unsafe food on people's lives. The report revealed that such contaminated food is responsible for a staggering 600 million infections each year. Even more alarmingly, it leads to approximately 4.2 lakh deaths annually.These numbers highlight the urgent need for stricter food safety protocols and standards to curb these life-threatening incidents effectively. The FSSAI…
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Footwear Industry Appeals for Government Intervention to Support MSMEs Amid Concerns Over BIS Standards

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The footwear industry has voiced its concerns over the recently introduced quality standards, making Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandatory for all types of footwear except Hawai slippers, sandals, and sports shoes, which will be exempted until December 31, 2023. According to the industry, the current standards and implementation directions lack scientific basis and practicality. This has raised worries among the sector, primarily comprising Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as compliance with these standards may lead to the closure of numerous MSME units, leaving only a handful of organized and multinational businesses to survive.While the footwear industry is not against adhering to quality standards, it believes that the current BIS standards are not well-suited to the diverse range of footwear products in the market. For instance, one standard has…
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Indian Stainless Steel Industry Gathers Momentum at ISSE 2023 to Pave the Way for Growth

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India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious vision of achieving a US$5 trillion economy, is poised for remarkable growth, and the stainless steel industry is set to play a vital role as a significant beneficiary of this economic expansion. Embracing stainless steel not only aligns with the country's economic aspirations but also helps reduce the carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly choice.With India emerging as the world's fastest-growing market for stainless steel, the industry is witnessing a surge in demand, largely supported by initiatives like Make in India, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and increased focus on vital sectors such as Infrastructure, Railways, Defence, and Aerospace.This economic upswing comes as a boon for the stainless steel sector, which has often been overshadowed by its larger counterpart, carbon steel. Challenges, including cheap…
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Government Imposes Compulsory Quality Standards to Boost Domestic Manufacturing

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New Delhi The government on Wednesday said it has issued mandatory quality norms for insulated flask, bottles and containers with a view to containing import of the sub-standard goods and boost domestic manufacturing of these products. A notification in this regard was issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on July 14. These items - resin-treated compressed wood laminates and insulated flask, bottles and containers for domestic use - under the quality control orders (QCO), cannot be produced, sold/traded, imported and stocked unless they bear the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) mark. Now, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified products are prohibited as per the BIS Act, 2016. The violation of the provision of the BIS Act can attract a penalty of imprisonment of…
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BIS Recruitment 2023: 15 Vacancies Open for Management System Certification Department

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New Delhi, [Date]: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released a new notification for BIS Recruitment 2023, inviting interested and eligible candidates to apply for the post of Management System Certification Department (MSCD). According to the official notification, there are 15 vacancies available for this position. Candidates who meet the specified qualifications and experience criteria can apply for this opportunity.Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria: Candidates applying for the Management System Certification Department post should have a regular Graduation in any discipline, Diploma in Engineering, BE/B.Tech from a recognized University, or a regular MBA or equivalent in Marketing/Sales from a recognized University. Additionally, applicants should possess at least 03 years of experience in Marketing or equivalent fields, with a preference for those familiar with Management System Certification.Age Limit: The candidates applying…
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FSSAI Joins Hands with AOAC INTERNATIONAL to Bolster Food Safety Analysis in India

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New Delhi, July 20, 2023: In a significant move to strengthen India's food safety standards, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has partnered with AOAC INTERNATIONAL (AOAC), signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative efforts in enhancing the food safety analytical ecosystem in the country. The MoU was formally signed at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, Satyen Kumar Panda, Advisor (Quality Assurance) FSSAI, Shrinvas Joshi, President, AOAC-India Section, Dr Ganesh Ramamurthi - President-Elect, AOAC-India Section, and Dr Saurabh Arora - Director, AOAC-India Section.The primary objectives of this strategic collaboration are as follows:Promotion of Uniform Testing Methods: FSSAI and AOAC aim to establish a standardized system for testing methods across the country,…
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DPIIT Introduces Quality Control Orders for ‘Resin Treated Compressed Wood Laminates’ and ‘Insulated Domestic Containers’

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Introduction: In a significant move to promote quality manufacturing and safeguard consumer health, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has recently issued two new Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The orders, which were notified on 14th July 2023, apply to the production of 'Resin Treated Compressed Wood Laminates' and 'Insulated Flask, Bottles, and Containers for Domestic Use.' The QCOs will become mandatory six months from the notification date, aimed at enhancing the quality ecosystem in India and ensuring public safety.Promoting Quality and Safety: The QCO for 'Resin Treated Compressed Wood Laminates' mandates the compulsory certification under IS Standard for 'Resin Treated Compressed Wood Laminates (compregs)- for electrical, chemical, and general purposes.' This certification will apply to products intended for the…
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Agra Shoe Industry Protests BIS Certification, Fears Impact on Livelihoods

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Introduction: The centuries-old leather shoe industry in Agra, India, is facing a significant challenge as shoe factories go on a warpath to protest the mandatory imposition of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification. Handmade shoe manufacturers argue that the certification is not feasible for their small and cottage industry units, and its enforcement could threaten the livelihoods of millions of families dependent on this traditional craft. Let's delve deeper into the issue and explore the concerns raised by the protesting shoe manufacturers.A Rich Tradition at Stake: Agra, known as the biggest hub of leather shoe industries in India, boasts a rich heritage of craftsmanship. The city's shoe factories have been catering to over 50 percent of the country's shoe requirements. Moreover, the industry plays a crucial role in the nation's…
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The Renewal of a BIS Certificate: Ensuring Quality and Safety Standards

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IntroductionIn today's fast-paced world, quality and safety are of utmost importance when it comes to products and services. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a pivotal role in upholding these standards by certifying various products and services through its rigorous evaluation processes. One crucial aspect of the certification process is the renewal of a BIS certificate, which ensures that the certified products or services continue to meet the required quality and safety benchmarks. In this blog, we will explore the significance of renewing a BIS certificate and its impact on businesses and consumers.What is a BIS Certificate?The BIS certificate is a mark of conformity to specific standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards, a national body responsible for promoting and maintaining quality in various sectors. This certification acts…
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