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"New standards are related to infant foods, vet & pesticides"
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Monday, 01 June, 2015, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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fiogf49gjkf0d  Sanjay Dave, director, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), was in Mumbai recently for attending a meet on Fresh Produce India 2015. During his visit, in an interaction with Archana Aroor, he shared his views on the export/import scenario and explained the similarities between FSSAI and Codex (international food standards) guidelines. Dave was elected thrice as chairman of Codex Alimentarius Commission and worked as an advisor to FSSAI for some time before returning to APEDA. Excerpts:
How do you cherish your return to APEDA?
The journey is never-ending as it is an ongoing process. I enjoyed working with APEDA earlier and I am glad to be back once again to be on the same front, though for a shorter period of time.
In the long run, I had different roles to play and look after the domestic market for exports. I had the responsibilities of being an advisor to the FSSAI.
How has been your experience with Codex as you had been elected thrice as chairman of the body?
It was good for me. Working with Codex was different from APEDA or FSSAI. This is an international platform where you meet people from different countries, discuss issues, find solutions and try to build consensus together.
Differentiate between FSSAI and Codex guidelines. How complex are the FSSAI rules and regulations when compared to Codex?
If you see the strategy put in place by FSSAI with regard to rules and regulations, earlier in 2012, we have clearly said that it had been formatted in line with Codex guidelines.
This is mainly because the structure of Codex was done with lot of deliberations that made it easier for us not to introduce an entirely new format for FSSAI. The standards were framed keeping in mind harmonisation and the people so as to make them easier to understand. It is not a cut-copy paste material as there are some variations seen in terms of contents.
These variations are important as the guidelines mentioned in Codex were put across by different countries unanimously to ease business trade relations.
These give the scope for modifications if any country adopts them as per their convenience.
For instance, there were no standards for veterinary drugs, which we introduced recently in FSSAI. It was not there in Codex. Similar is the case with colours. The standards in FSSAI have been picked up very carefully in India.
Therefore, the differences always exist. We should also understand that we do not have a higher level of consumer awareness in our country and that the standards are framed, modified and notified after considering these aspects.
When are the newly-defined FSSAI standards likely to be implemented?
We already have 377 standards and the rest are under review. These standards have already been defined, however, the industry has to prepare itself. The farmers will have to be trained to see that whatever the standards for quality and product are met. Some of the new standards which have been recently set are related to infant foods, veterinary drugs and pesticides. The aim to implement those new standards was in the month of March 2015. However, it will take some more time and I hope it will be implemented by end of 2015.
How is the current export and import market in India?
The export market is growing. I think, the exports of India have touched approximately Rs 4,000 crore in last 30 years. Hitherto, the exports had slipped down in the previous year due to various reasons such as currency fluctuations, and weather conditions.
Surprisingly, the imports are also growing on the same wavelength due to consumer demand for better quality and tastes or preferences for food products. With their changing lifestyle and demands for newer food products and tastes, it is observed that the volume of imports have overtaken the fact of Rs 4,000 crore export market within a span of 10 years. This is just because it's a free-market.
Explain how the recently introduced clearance procedure of FSSAI - 'Self Declaration System' - going to ease the problems of clearing the goods on time?
Earlier, the FSSAI needed affidavits in terms of proof that involved a lot of hassles as it was time-consuming, particularly, for those who had to clear the goods on time. The affidavit involved a fee and legal procedures further to be taken forward to prove the goods are safe. Today, it is a very good initiative by the FSSAI as they require only self-declaration on a piece of paper. It gives ample scope for people to trust you and if found in compliance with its regulations and based on the subject of the declaration, the goods are directly cleared without any confusion.
What is your perspective with regard to SPS measures with recent incidence of rejection of foods by Russia?
SPS measures are those which will facilitate trade between two countries and provide the possibility for importing countries to protect health and take actions as per the agreement.
We enjoy good trade relations with Russia and likewise Russia too exports and imports a lot of food products. We always analyse any problem and accordingly take action. However, SPS measures are important factors.
What will be the impact if the ban on the export of buffalo meat is implemented in the country?
The decision has nothing to do with the impact. The ban will be implemented based on the decision by the government and I feel any decision taken on this aspect by the government will be rational as they will have logical reasons to support the cause.
Comment on GM foods.
It is not allowed in the country yet. FSSAI had clearly stated that it had to be considered with a specific approach.
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