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New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry informed the Lok Sabha on February 4, 2022, that 1286 convictions in criminal cases have been reported by the states/ union territories in the last two years for violating Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
During the same period, 32162 convictions in civil cases have also been reported.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated that 118775 food samples were analysed in various states/UTs in 2019-20 and 29589 were found non-conforming.
As per the written reply, a total of 27412 civil cases and 4681 criminal cases were filed in 2019-20.
In civil cases, 18192 were decided, out of which 17345 resulted in convictions, and 828 criminal cases were decided, out of which 780 resulted in convictions in 2019-20, informed Dr. Pawar.
In 2020-21, a total of 107829 food samples were analysed and 28347 were found non-conforming.
Based on the test reports, 24195 civil cases and 3869 criminal cases were filed in 2020-21.
A total of 15878 civil cases were decided, out of which 14817 resulted in convictions. A total of 520 criminal cases were decided, out of which 506 resulted in convictions, said the Minister of State.
496 DLACs formed, 2537 FSOs appointed
In the written reply, Dr. Pawar also informed that as per the advice of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), states and union territories have formed 496 District Level Advisory Committees (DLACs) to assist, aid, and advise the Commissioner of Food Safety on food safety-related issues.
She also stated that States/UTs have been advised by the FSSAI to appoint the Food Safety Officers for proper enforcement of the provisions of FSS Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations made thereunder.
The Minister said that as per the information shared by the States/UTs, 2537 FSOs are available across the country. (PW News)
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