Food Inspection
Food inspection is the process of examining and evaluating food products to ensure that they meet certain standards and requirements for quality and safety. The inspection can take place at various stages of the food production chain, from the initial raw material to the final product that reaches consumers. (1, 2)
Food inspection can cover a wide range of foods, including:(2-4)
- Raw and cooked meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Eggs and egg products
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Processed foods such as canned goods and packaged snacks
- Bakery and pastry items
- Frozen foods
- Beverages including bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverage
Types of inspections in food establishments and importance (5-8)
|
Type of Inspection |
Focus |
Significance |
|
Hygiene Inspections |
Cleanliness and hygiene of establishment, personal hygiene of staff |
Ensures that food is prepared and served in a clean and sanitary environment. Helps prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Encourages staff to maintain high levels of personal hygiene. |
|
Food Safety Inspections |
Safe storage, preparation, and cooking of food, prevention of contamination |
Identifies potential hazards and risks associated with food handling, storage, and preparation. Helps prevent foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. Helps ensure that food is safe to eat. |
|
Structural Inspections |
Physical structure of establishment, including ventilation, lighting, and plumbing |
Helps ensure that the establishment is safe and functional for food preparation and service. Helps prevent contamination and the spread of foodborne illnesses. |
|
Compliance Inspections |
Compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations and guidelines |
Ensures that the establishment is following all applicable regulations and guidelines related to food safety and hygiene. Helps prevent foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. |
|
Labelling Inspections |
Accuracy and compliance of food packaging and labelling with regulatory requirements |
Helps ensure that consumers are informed about the food they are buying and eating, including ingredients and potential allergens. Helps prevent allergic reactions and other adverse reactions to food. |
|
HACCP Inspections |
Implementation and following of a HACCP plan to identify and control potential hazards in food production process |
Helps prevent foodborne illnesses by identifying potential hazards and implementing controls to prevent their occurrence. Encourages a proactive approach to food safety. |
|
Allergen Inspections |
Proper procedures to prevent cross-contamination and labelling of foods containing allergens |
Helps prevent allergic reactions and other adverse reactions to food. Ensures that foods containing allergens are properly labelled and that procedures are in place to prevent cross-contamination. |
Audit (9-11)
A food audit is a type of food inspection that involves a comprehensive evaluation of a food establishment's food safety and quality control systems. The audit is typically performed by a third-party auditor or an internal audit team and is designed to identify any potential risks or non-compliance issues in the food production process. In India, various audits are performed to ensure food safety. These include:
|
Type of Audit |
Purpose |
Performer |
|
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Audits |
Assess the effectiveness of the FSMS implemented by food business operators (FBOs) in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act |
Internal or Third-party |
|
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Audits |
Ensure that food products are manufactured in a hygienic and safe environment, with proper controls in place to prevent contamination and adulteration |
Internal or Third-party |
|
Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Audits |
Evaluate the farming practices used for agricultural commodities, to ensure that the produce is safe for human consumption |
Internal or Third-party |
|
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Audits |
Evaluate the FBO's HACCP plan and implementation, to identify and control potential hazards in the food production process |
Internal or Third-party |
|
Food Laboratory Audits |
Evaluate the laboratory facilities and methods used for testing food samples, to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable |
Accredited Third-party |
|
Regulatory Compliance Audits |
Ensure that FBOs are in compliance with the relevant food safety regulations and guidelines |
Government Agencies or Third-party |
|
Hygiene Audits |
Evaluate the hygiene practices and conditions in the food production and handling areas, to prevent contamination and ensure food safety |
Internal or Third-party |
FSSAI Standards for inspections (12-19)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for food safety and regulations in India. In recent years, several updates have been made to the standards and regulations for food inspections in India, including
|
Regulation |
Purpose |
|
Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulation, 2017 |
Outlines requirements for importing food products into India |
|
Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 |
Requires food businesses in India to obtain a license or registration from FSSAI |
|
Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2021 |
Specifies requirements for packaging and labelling of food products |
|
Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 |
Establishes standards and guidelines for various food products and additives |
|
Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011 |
Sets maximum limits for various contaminants, toxins, and residues in food products |
|
Food Safety and Standards (Sampling and Analysis) Regulations, 2011 |
Outlines procedures for sampling and analysis of food products |
|
Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017 |
Establishes procedure for recalling unsafe food products from the market |
|
Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulations, 2018 |
Specifies requirements for conducting food safety audits in India |
Testing kits and training
- Rapid test kits are easy-to-use and provide quick results for various food safety parameters like pesticides, heavy metals, pathogens, and adulterants.
- ELISA test kits are used to detect foodborne pathogens, toxins, and allergens.
- FSSAI provides training programs covering food safety regulations, hygiene practices, food testing methods, and risk assessment for food safety inspectors, food business operators, and other stakeholders in the food industry.
- NIFTEM offers degree programs, certificate courses, and training programs in food safety and quality management
- International organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) offer training programs for food safety and inspection in India
Eurofins services
Eurofins is a global leader in food testing and inspection services. The company provides a range of services to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of food products. Eurofins' food inspection services include:
|
Eurofins Services |
Description |
|
Chemical and microbiological |
Detects contaminants such as pathogens, pesticides, and heavy metals |
|
Allergen testing |
Detects the presence of allergens such as gluten, peanuts, and milk in food products |
|
GMO testing |
Detects the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products |
|
Authenticity testing |
Determines if a food product has been adulterated or mislabelled |
|
Food safety auditing |
Assesses food safety risks and compliance with regulations |
Overall, Eurofins plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply chain. Its testing and inspection services help to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses and ensure that food products meet regulatory requirements.
References
1.United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Food Safety and Inspection Service. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/home
2.USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2021). Food Safety Education. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/production-and-inspection/food-inspection-and-grading/food-inspection-and-grading
3.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Food. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food
4.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Food Safety. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html
5.Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Food Safety Inspections: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-safety-inspections-what-you-need-know
6.U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Types of Inspections. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/inspection/types-of-inspections
7.National Environmental Health Association. (2017). NEHA Food Safety Inspection Manual. Retrieved from https://www.neha.org/sites/default/files/NEHA%20Food%20Safety%20Inspection%20Manual%20-%202nd%20Edition.pdf
8.Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. (2021). Food Safety Management System (FSMS). https://www.fssai.gov.in/food-businesses/food-safety-management-system-fsms.html
9.Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. (2021). Good Agricultural Practices. https://www.fssai.gov.in/food-businesses/good-agricultural-practices.html
10.Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. (2021). Hygiene Rating Scheme. https://www.fssai.gov.in/food-businesses/hygiene-rating-scheme.html
11.Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulation, 2017: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2017/12/5a294d6dc0f6dNotification_Import_Regulation_22_12_2017.pdf
12.Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011:https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2011/Regulation_Licensing_Registration_5_8_2011.pdf
13.Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2011/Packaging_Labelling_Regulation_2_12_2011.pdf
14.Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2011/Food_Products_Standards_and_Food_Additives_Regulations_23_05_2011.pdf
15.Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2011/Contaminants_Toxins_Residues_Regulation_23_05_2011.pdf
16.Food Safety and Standards (Sampling and Analysis) Regulations, 2011: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2011/Sampling_Analysis_Regulation_23_05_2011.pdf
17.Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2017/12/5a294d23c24c1Notification_Food_Recall_Regulation_22_12_2017.pdf
18.Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulations, 2018: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/notifications/2018/11/5be2cc69b7fc5Notification_Food_Safety_Auditing_Regulations_2018_14_11_2018.pdf
