Industry urged to be part of law-making process

Involvement of the food processing industry in the process of formation of sector specific laws is the only way to prevent negative impact of such laws after implementation, believe experts.

At a seminar on 'Food Regulations and Voluntary Certification under Food Safety and Quality Year 2008-09' organised by Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Saturday, players from the industry urged FICCI and other industry organisations to help in ensuring simplified laws for the segment.

“Adherence to international standards is compulsion and not choice for the industry,” said adviser of Quality Council of India, Anil Jauhri. “The food processing industry has to follow the standards voluntary unless and until they are made mandatory. However, international standards have become a must due to pressure from customers, NGOs and other institutions.”

The senior director of FICCI Sameer Barde asked the industry players to become more active and keep a close watch on process of policy making rather than making hue and cry after implementation. He said, “Certain laws such as Food Safety and Standard Act 2006 may create unintended barriers in trade and result in high cost of compliance, while protecting consumers and ensuring quality product.”

The principal secretary of agriculture and co-operatives, government of Gujarat, PN Roy Chaudhary said, “The new challenge before us is not the quantity of the food but the quality of the food. So, the food processing industry should take initiative and review quality standards. Involvement of consumers in the process can make the process transparent.”