Hazard analysis certification to be made mandatory

In a move to ensure that the Indian food processing industry complies with the international norms of food safety, the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification will be made mandatory for all the agro products. A Bill in this regard will be tabled in the Parliament shortly.

Addressing a seminar on 'Food Safety and HACCP', V Rajagopal, general manager, Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-bip), said: "The Bill has been drafted and would be tabled in the Parliament under the Integrated Food Law Act."

The HACCP is an internationally accepted technique for preventing microbiological, chemical and physical contamination along the food supply chain. HACCP technique identifies the risks by establishing critical control points, setting critical limits, and ensuring that the control measures are validated, verified and monitored before implementation.

The government of Kerala has been identified by the Union government as the nodal centre for implementing the HACCP programme.

Despite being the largest producer of agricultural goods, India is yet to make a mark on the export front. Of the total Rs 16,254.81 crore exports last year in the food processing sector, small scale industries accounted for more than 70 per cent, registering a growth rate of 28 per cent.

"Despite good export potential and productivity techniques, India contributes just two per cent to the global food processing sector. Indian food industry should be properly trained on meeting the health requirements. It should be made mandatory that all the agro products are HACCP certified," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, T O Sooraj, director, Department of Industries, Kerala government, said the trade scenario had changed world over, especially after the WTO agreements came into effect. The standards and guidelines prescribed by Codex Alimentarius had now become the benchmark for international trade.

In Tamil Nadu, Mas Curry Powders Private Limited (situated in Theni district), which owns the brand Mohanlal Taste Buds, is the only unit to have got the HACCP certificate.

Around 25 units in Kerala have received HACCP certification and 12 units are under auditing. "Initially in 2003, when the programme was mooted, only 10 units were certified. But the number rose to 25 units this year (as on March 2006). We expect around 60 units to be certified by 2007," Sooraj added.