Ensuring the quality and safety of food, building unwavering consumer trust and embracing modern advancements are not just aspirations but necessities for the industry’s sustainable growth. Anurag Mishra, Group Head, Quality Assurance and Food Safety of Shree Renuka Sugars (Wilmar’s Subsidiary), addresses these issues with Clean India Journal.
From farm to fork, food safety is a shared responsibility. Awareness, AI, and hygiene discipline can secure consumer trust.”
— Anurag Mishra
A primary concern is the need for improved farm practices. Ensuring the quality of raw materials at the source is fundamental to producing safe and high-quality processed food. This is followed by the necessity of good manufacturing practices within processing units. These practices are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination during production.
Distribution of quality management presents another hurdle. The journey of food from factory to consumer involves several stages and maintaining quality throughout this process is essential. Consumer awareness also plays a vital role. Educating consumers about food safety, handling, and storage is important for reducing foodborne illnesses.
The industry lacks a robust ecosystem where stakeholders openly share knowledge and collaborate for collective improvement, unlike more developed economies of the world.
AI to the Rescue
Enhancing food quality and consumer trust can be achieved through innovative approaches. Transparency in manufacturing processes and clear communication with consumers are key. Technology integration, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), holds immense potential.
AI can significantly improve quality assurance and food safety by automating checks and reducing manual errors, which are prone to human oversight. For instance, advanced vision cameras with AI capabilities can prevent defective raw materials from entering the processing stream, as seen in international case studies in dairy production.
While large companies are beginning to adopt these technologies, their widespread use by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remains a challenge due to resource constraints. Government incentives could encourage MSMEs to invest in such transformative technologies, which are poised to revolutionize food manufacturing.
An Easy Job
Maintaining hygiene and sanitation in food processing environments, especially for allergen control and cross contamination, does not always require substantial investment in fancy machines or chemicals. It primarily demands awareness and willingness. A thorough understanding of risks associated with inadequate cleaning is crucial.
For high-risk perishable products, frequent cleaning within shifts or every 24 hours is advisable, while low risk (longer shelf life) products may permit less frequent cleaning. Cultivating a discipline of cleaning throughout the workforce, adhering to defined cleaning schedules and understanding the criticality of hygiene are vital. This approach, combined with robust standard operating procedures and risk assessment, can prevent a significant percentage of allergen and other cross contamination.
Regular auditing is another critical component for continuous improvement. Audits help identify areas needing attention and inform strategies to overcome deficiencies. They serve as a mechanism for self-evaluation and calibration, preventing stagnation and fostering a culture of ongoing enhancement.
Looking ahead, emerging trends in food safety in India include a stronger emphasis on safe food, nutrition and clean labels. The concept of clean labels, which provide clear and understandable information about ingredients, is gaining traction. The increased use of technology will also differentiate conventional food processing from modern approaches.
A Role to Play
Ultimately, food safety is a shared responsibility. While regulators play a crucial role in setting standards and creating awareness, consumers also bear a significant responsibility. Adhering to basic food safety practices at home, during transport and when consuming food outside, is important.
Resources from organizations like FSSAI provide valuable information. By adroitly participating in ensuring food safety, consumers can contribute to a healthier society and avoid foodborne illnesses that affect millions globally.