The Hindu Business Line : ISACert to help India preserve quality in food

The need for standardising the food value-chain is essential for the country to take advantage of the huge demand the world over. Insists on hygienic handling of fruits, vegetables

Hyderabad March 15 The growth of retail grocery and vegetable chains as well as organised fast food centres in the country are expected to throw up challenges in improving the quality of products.

The need for standardising the food value-chain is essential for the country to take advantage of the huge demand the world over for food sources as well as the growing domestic demand, said Mr Srihari Kotela, Director, FoodCert India Ltd.

European, the US and developed Asian economies import only food items that adhere to quality standards. Similarly, the Indian food consumers are becoming conscious of the food they eat and the food industry is anxious to meet their expectations.

In this background, the recently passed Food Safety Act 2005, and the notification and rules which are expected shortly, should give a shot in the arm for improvement in quality standards, he told newspersons on Thursday.

The Global Partners board of ISACert bv of Netherlands which met here to review and chart its annual strategy said it would focus on bringing quality standards and certification programmes in India, according to Mr Gerard Van Der Ven, Managing Director.

The ISACert is a leading certification body in the world in international food, food-related and personnel care products with a presence in over 30 countries.

Demand goes global

The small retail chain outlets for marketing fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat products and other sensitive food products, that are mushrooming across all cities and towns in India, will have to comply with the minimum requirements of hygiene and maintenance of proper cold storage facilities during transportation, he said.

Mr Gerard said ISACert plans to help FoodCert India in its efforts to improve quality standards. Many countries in the world are looking at India as a potential sourcing centre for potatoes, apples, etc. However, India is still to explore and take advantage of the demand due to lack of globally accepted food standards.