The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged states to establish inter-ministerial committees to focus on reducing pesticide use and developing strategies to monitor and regulate pesticides at the farmer level. Addressing the 44th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee, the CEO, FSSAI, G. Kamala Vardhana Rao said, this initiative is aimed at ensuring agricultural practices remain safe and sustainable.

He said, this will also protect consumers from potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in food. Mr Rao further emphasized the need to identify key locations within states where mobile labs- Food Safety on Wheels can be deployed. He said, these mobile labs will be instrumental in raising consumer awareness and disseminating crucial information about food safety practices.