Food safety in a globalizing world: opportunities and challenges for India

Abstract

Abstract Rising incomes and urbanization, increasing consumer awareness prompted by widely publicized food safety crises, and an expansion in agricultural exports have been important drivers for the increased attention to food safety in India. But the development of effective food safety systems is hampered by a number of factors: restrictive government marketing regulations, a weak policy and regulatory framework for food safety, inadequate enforcement of existing standards, poor market infrastructure and agricultural support services, and the predominance of small farms. Addressing food safety concerns in India is likely to require adoption of appropriate legislation; strengthening capacity to enforce rules; promoting adoption of good agricultural, manufacturing, and hygiene practices; greater collective action; and some targeted investments. Joint efforts by the government and the private sector are needed to implement these actions.