Due diligence must for making food safety reports public:FSSAI

Against the backdrop of a report claiming carcinogenic contents in bread, FSSAI today said such studies should be made public only after "due diligence", as otherwise it creates panic.
"While we appreciate the case... That highlights issues and points out various risks associated with the food we consume, there is also serious concern in terms of implications when such studies are reported in the media and tend to create panic," Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO Pawan Agarwal told reporters here.
Last month, the Sunita Narain-led Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in its report had said commonly available brands of pre-packaged breads, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate banned in many countries as these are listed as "hazardous" for public health.

Following that, FSSAI banned the use of potassium bromate as an additive in food products.
"... We have referred the issue to the scientific panel which is meeting on (June) 28th. In fact, we have invited CSE to make a presentation on potassium iodate and also on potassium bromate in terms of their findings," he said.
"And the scientific committee will also examine that issue in the context of recommendation of the joint parliamentary committee that had recommended a very cautious approach in reporting of issues relating to food without proper due diligence."
He was speaking at a CII event on launch of the CII-HUL Initiative on Food Safety Sciences (CHIFSS). FSSAI also signed an MoU with CHIFSS.

The Food Safety Management System Guidance Document for Ice Creams and Frozen Desserts was also released alongside the launch of CHIFSS website.