Steps initiated by Government to ensure food safety compliances for export of agricultural products

There has been an increase in the RASFFs issued by EU for the last three years. The Government has initiated following steps to ensure food safety compliances for export of agricultural products:

- Residue monitoring plan for exports of fresh table grapes to the EU through control of residues of chemicals.

- A web based traceability system for grapes has been put in place to ensure compliance with the EU requirements.

- Control of aflatoxins for exports of peanuts and peanut products to all countries.

- Standards for 51 fruits and vegetables have been prepared. These standards are notified by Govt. of India under AGMARK Act.

- APEDA has introduced schemes for registration/recognition of pack house/processing units for fresh fruits and vegetables like grapes, mangoes, pomegranates, peanuts and peanut products, meat etc.

- Taken up laboratory recognition and upgradation programme for making available testing facilities to ensure the quality of produce exported. 23 laboratories have been recognized.

- Recognition of food safety management system implementation and certification agencies for HACCP, ISO and GAP certification.

- Development of packaging standards and sea transportation protocols for fruits.

- Negotiations/Talks are held with EU at bilateral meetings, Joint Working Group meetings and Sub Committee on Trade meetings to ensure Indian food exports is not compromised.

The information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Dr. D. Purandeswari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.