Food processing industry is one of the largest industries and a prominent sector of Indian economy. Food is the biggest consumption category in India with 31% of the consumer’s expenditure. The Indian food industry is expected to reach Euro 181 billion in 2015 and Euro 223 billion by 2020. In recent decades, the Indian food industry has increasingly adopted internationally recognized food safety and quality systems such as the HACCP and GFSI programs such as the SQF and BRC. Recognizing the significance of food safety and quality for domestic and export market, the Indian government has initiated extensive reforms, including implementation of the Food Standard and Security Act of India (FSSAI). However, Indian food industry is facing several food safety issues and challenges as evidenced by well publicized incidences of recalls and illnesses resulting from contamination and food adulteration.  The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) when finalized and implemented is expected to bring a sea change of food protection standards not only in the U.S. but also in India and other countries involved in food trade with the USA. Per FSMA, countries exporting human food and animal feed will have to implement new and enhanced food protection standards for risk-based hazard analysis and preventive controls, produce safety, the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), and other related rules. There are significant challenges and issues involved in understanding and complying with the FSMA requirements.  This symposium is designed to explore the current status, challenges and issues in food safety and impact of FSMA on international trade between the US and India. Speakers from food industry, government agencies, and academia from India and the USA will provide unique perspective on contemporary food safety issues and challenges and impact of FSMA on international trade between the US and India.

Presentations