The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) hosted a meeting of its Core Group on Right to Food and Nutrition, focusing on the theme of food adulteration in India. The event was conducted in a hybrid format at the NHRC headquarters in New Delhi. Chaired by Justice V Ramasubramanian, the meeting featured participation from various distinguished members, including Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, along with senior officials from central and state governments, human rights advocates, and experts from academia and civil society.

During the gathering, Justice Ramasubramanian provided an in-depth look at the evolution of India’s legal framework regarding food adulteration, referencing historical legislation such as the Madras Prevention of Adulteration Act of 1918 and the more recent Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. He acknowledged that extensive efforts have been made over the years to combat food adulteration and emphasised the importance of a healthy, disease-free life as a constitutional right for every individual.

Justice Ramasubramanian urged participants to reflect on the broader implications of food adulteration beyond mere statistics, highlighting the deterioration of the idea that food should serve as medicine. He expressed concerns over long-standing cases under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, noting that some evidence presented may be up to 15 years stale, reducing the efficacy of prosecutions. He also addressed issues regarding the effectiveness and upkeep of current food testing infrastructures, including mobile laboratories.

Key Discussions and Recommendations

Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi underlined the need for heightened public awareness regarding food safety and expressed worry about the use of pesticides in food production. He advocated for increased educational initiatives aimed at farmers to foster safe agricultural practices, thereby ensuring a better quality of food grains.

Alongside, Justice Vijaya Bharathi Sayani called for the establishment of a multi-tiered task force dedicated to combating food adulteration. She proposed initiatives such as mobile food testing units in educational institutions and public locations, alongside regular inspections. Emphasising strict regulatory practices, she recommended imposing fines on violators and systems for quicker grievance resolution.

The NHRC Secretary General, Bharat Lal, remarked on the significant risks posed by food adulteration to vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. He pointed out the global nature of the issue, which persists despite existing regulations. Lal highlighted the difficulties of tracking adulterated products once they enter the supply chain, stressing the necessity of ensuring safe and nutritious food for all citizens.

Expert Contributions and Future Actions

Rajit Punhani, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), discussed ongoing efforts to encourage food vendors to register and obtain licenses, which is essential for effective monitoring. He highlighted the critical need to fill vacant posts to ensure proper oversight of food safety at various levels.

Anusree Raha, Deputy Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy, advocated for increased community and self-help group involvement in tackling food adulteration. She proposed implementing capacity-building programmes to educate the public and suggested using educational laboratories for food sample testing, allowing students to engage directly with the issue.

Richa Kumar from IIT Delhi emphasised the necessity of farm-level monitoring and expressed concerns about the health risks associated with chemical adulteration and pesticide use. She advocated for a systemic ban on hazardous chemicals in food production.

Professor Bejon Mishra, an expert in consumer policy, called for the establishment of clear product standards through stakeholder engagement. Urging for transparency in food testing, he recommended the creation of a 24/7 consumer helpline and improved public awareness campaigns. Consumer rights activist Pushpa Girimaji voiced the need for a comprehensive national study to identify the areas and materials at high risk for adulteration.

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