Ghee, Oils Worth Rs 35 Lakh Seized After Food Authority Raids In Gujarat

Telangana has established a new unified administrative framework for regulating food safety and drugs control, merging the Food Safety Department with the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) under the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE). This integration aims to streamline oversight of food and pharmaceutical regulations across the state, addressing growing challenges related to compliance and enforcement. The initiative marks a significant shift in how these critical sectors are managed, placing them under one administrative umbrella while maintaining their individual statutory functions. The merger was formalised through an order issued by Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu. The decision follows the rising number of licensed food businesses and drug establishments in the state, necessitating stronger regulatory measures under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. These laws aim to prevent the circulation of unsafe, spurious, or substandard food and drugs. By combining the two departments, the government hopes to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, enforcement, legal support, and overall regulatory effectiveness. Avinash Mohanty, a 2005-batch IPS officer currently serving as Director General of the DCA, has been appointed as Commissioner of TG SAFE, alongside retaining his role as Commissioner of Food Safety for Telangana. His dual responsibilities underscore the importance of continuity and expertise in this newly formed entity. The administrative structure of TG SAFE comprises six wings: Drug Administration, Food Safety, Enforcement, Legal and Prosecution, Laboratory, and Administration. Initially, the unified system will operate in the CURE region, chosen due to its high density of food and drug-related enterprises. In the early stages, both the Food Safety Department and the DCA will utilise shared administrative, enforcement, legal, laboratory, intelligence, and data-analysis mechanisms. To facilitate the transition, the government has allowed vacant positions to be filled through deputation, contract, or outsourcing according to established protocols. Additionally, a State-level committee has been constituted to evaluate the modernisation of the Food Safety and Drugs Control administration. This committee will conduct a thorough review of the unified authority, examining aspects such as harmonising service rules, determining optimal staffing levels, enhancing testing and legal support, improving intelligence and data-analysis capabilities, and upgrading infrastructure for field units and laboratories. The committee’s findings will guide future decisions regarding the establishment of a unified Food and Drug Department across Telangana. Recommendations from the committee are expected to be submitted within the stipulated timeframe, providing a foundation for broader implementation of the TG SAFE model beyond the pilot region. Meanwhile, similar regulatory actions have occurred elsewhere in India. In Gujarat, officials conducted raids that led to the seizure of approximately Rs 35 lakh worth of adulterated ghee and oils in Surat and Deesa. These operations highlight ongoing efforts to enforce food safety standards nationwide. Separately, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to all Indian states, union territories, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) concerning concerns about the sale and consumption of 'analogue paneer,' a non-dairy substitute for traditional paneer. The NHRC requested clarifications from FSSAI regarding the nutritional composition and benefits of 'analogue paneer,' questioning the necessity of its production and sale given that several states have already restricted or prohibited it. The commission emphasized the need for clear disclosure of product identities to avoid misleading consumers into thinking non-dairy alternatives are equivalent to traditional paneer. This inquiry reflects broader concerns about transparency, consumer protection, and consistent enforcement of food safety regulations across regions. These developments indicate a growing emphasis on strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure public health and consumer safety. As states like Telangana implement integrated approaches to food and drug regulation, they set precedents that could influence national policies and practices. The effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on sustained commitment, adequate resources, and collaboration among various stakeholders.