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Polity & Governance
Mahesh

25/10/23 07:53 AM IST

Food labels to have QR code to help the visually disabled

In News
  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recommended the inclusion of QR code on food products for accessibility by visually impaired individuals.
Significance
  • This information includes product name, shelf life, nutrition facts, vegetarian/non-vegetarian logos, ingredient lists, allergen warnings, and other product specific labelling requirements.
  • This information is aimed at empowering consumers to make informed choices when selecting food products.
  • The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 recognises the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities, which emphasises accessibility and the promotion of health for persons with disabilities.
  • The authority notes that to enhance accessibility, Food Business Operators are encouraged to incorporate provisions that facilitate easy access to nutritional information for visually impaired individuals.
  • One effective means to achieve this is by incorporating Quick Response [QR] codes on product labels.
  • These QR codes should encompass comprehensive details about the product, including, but not limited to, ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, manufacturing date, best before/expiry/use by date, allergen warning, and contact information for customer inquiries.
FSSAI
  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
  • Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is the administrative Ministry of FSSAI.
  • Headquarters: Delhi.
  • The FSSAI comprises of a Chairperson and twenty two members out of which one – third are to be women.
  • The Chairperson of FSSAI is appointed by the Central Government.
  • The Food Authority is assisted by Scientific Committees and Panels in setting standards and the Central Advisory Committee in coordinating with enforcement agencies.
  • The primary responsibility for enforcement is largely with the State Food Safety Commissioners.
Source- The Hindu

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