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30 June 2026

Food safety and poisoning incidents

The topic provides specific data on the State Food Safety Index and FSSAI performance, which are directly relevant to governance, food security, and public health policy questions in the UPSC Mains.

2 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Food poisoning incidents in 2024 resulted in 1,122 deaths in India.
  • The State Food Safety Index (2023-24) evaluates States/UTs on five parameters: human resources, compliance, testing infrastructure, training, and consumer empowerment.
  • A strong correlation exists between low State Food Safety Index scores and high food poisoning casualties; nearly 75% of States/UTs scored below 50 out of 100.
  • The FSSAI has introduced a dynamic risk-based assessment for the frequency of inspections of Food Business Operators (FBOs).
  • Enforcement is primarily the responsibility of State Food Safety Authorities, which face significant staffing shortages.
  • FSSAI vacancy rates have risen from 30% to 40% over five years; nationwide, only 2,997 of 4,208 sanctioned Food Safety Officer (FSO) positions are filled.
  • WHO estimates unsafe food causes 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually globally.
  • India ranks 15th globally in years of life lost due to foodborne diseases, with children under 5 bearing 30% of the disease burden.

Questions

  1. Despite the existence of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, food poisoning remains a significant public health challenge in India. Discuss the institutional and administrative bottlenecks hindering the effective implementation of food safety regulations. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The State Food Safety Index serves as a critical tool for evaluating public health infrastructure. Analyze the correlation between institutional capacity, such as staffing and testing infrastructure, and the prevalence of foodborne diseases in India. Suggest measures to strengthen the enforcement mechanism at the state level. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following parameters is NOT included in the State Food Safety Index measured by the FSSAI?

  2. As per the recent amendment to the Food Safety and Standards Act, what is the new basis for determining the frequency of inspections for Food Business Operators (FBOs)?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-30/food-safety-and-poisoning-incidents