LS passes Food Safety Bill

New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) The Lok Sabha today passed the Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005, with Minister for Food Processing Subodh Kant Sahay giving an assurance that there were adequate provisions in the legislation to ensure that small traders are not harrassed and the setting up of the Regulatory Body in the sector would enable larger private investments.

The Bill seeks to consolidate the laws relating to food and establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

Replying to the debate in the House on the Bill, Mr Sahay said in the event of misuse of power by food inspectors, action could be taken by the Food Commissioner which could entail a fine upto Rs one lakh. ''Such a provision is there in the Bill,'' he said.

Besides, the services of the errant inspector could be terminated in accordance with the law, he added.

Mr Sahay said the setting up of the regulatory body would bring an end to the 'Inspector Raj,' noting that as many as 16 inspectors visit a manufacturer at present. ''No businessman would put his money in an area where the Inspector Raj was so dominant,'' he pointed out.

He said ample alternative opportunities were available to businessmen to invest their money, such as the sunrise sectors of Information Technology and Bio-technology.

Mr Sahay said unless a conducive environment for investment was created, businessmen would shy away from putting their money in the food sector.

Denying that the Bill was catering to multinational companies, he said that it was all encompassing serving local as well as global requirements.

''The Bill is contemporary and comprehensive and intends to ensure better consumer safety through Food Safety Management Systems and setting standards based on science and transparency as also to meet the dynamic requirements of Indian Food Trade and Industry and International Trade,'' Mr Sahay said.

The House passed the Bill by voice vote after clause by clause consideration of the Amendments moved by the Minister.

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