One nation, many kitchens: A decentralised approach to safe food

India’s food safety framework, though comprehensive under FSSAI, faces critical enforcement challenges due to limited local capacity, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate staffing. Centralised regulations often overlook diverse regional food practices, creating blind spots in hygiene and compliance. This article advocates for a decentralised, tiered governance model where FSSAI sets baseline standards and states adapt rules to local contexts. Case studies from Kerala and Punjab demonstrate improved hygiene, faster inspections, and reduced adulteration through innovative local interventions. Strengthening state and municipal authority, resources, and autonomy is essential to ensure safe food as a right, not a privilege, for all citizens.

Continue reading: https://www.siasat.com/one-nation-many-kitchens-a-decentralised-approach-to-safe-food-3241301/