With the release of National Food Processing Policy, India is ushering in an era of Zero Tolerance towards Post Harvest Wastage, Zero Tolerance on Delays in Commissioning of Food Processing Projects as well as Zero Tolerance in Delays in obtaining Licenses/Statutory Clearances for Food Processing. The focus of this policy is on building India’s National Food Grid And National Cold Chain Grid and creating Retail Markets in every nook and corner of the country.
Challenges of Food Processing in India
Going forward, the adoption of food safety and quality assurance mechanisms such as Total Quality Management (TQM) including ISO 9000, ISO 22000, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) by the food processing industry offers several benefits. It would enable adherence to stringent quality and hygiene norms and thereby protect consumer health, prepare the industry to face global competition, enhance product acceptance by overseas buyers and keep the industry technologically abreast of international best practices.