Presented to Nidhi Khare, Secretary , Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCA), the report delves into the pervasive challenges of food fraud, specifically targeting spurious and counterfeit food products. It offers strategic insights and actionable measures to combat this pressing issue.

Discussing the white paper, Nidhi Khare said, “In recent years, incidents of food fraud have significantly increased, posing serious risks to consumers, industries, and public health. Spurious and counterfeit products are a major menace in every sector. At the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), we work diligently to create awareness and protect consumers from such activities. I am pleased that IFBA members have collaborated to produce this white paper, which adopts a multifaceted approach, engaging consumers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to resolve this pressing issue.”

Deepak Jolly, Chairperson, IFBA, said, “As the global food and beverage industry grapples with the escalating threat of spurious and counterfeit products, the IFBA remains at the forefront of safeguarding consumer interests by promoting awareness of food safety and regulatory compliance. The release of this white paper reaffirms our commitment to promoting food safety, consumer trust, and industry integrity. We believe the report will be instrumental in effectively addressing the growing threat of spurious and counterfeit products.”

This white paper is written by the IFBA Focus Group, and includes significant contributions from Ferrero India, Coca-Cola, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale, Nourishco Beverages, and Glanbia Performance Nutrition. Its primary objectives are to safeguard consumer health, protect legitimate businesses, and strengthen the integrity of the food supply chain, ensuring a safer and more reliable market for all stakeholders.

The white paper is available for download at the following link: Spurious and Counterfeit Food Products: An Industry Perspective on Measures and Handling.

The post IFBA Releases White Paper on Counterfeit and Spurious Food Products appeared first on Business of Food.

The webinar will be inaugurated by Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCA). The virtual session is scheduled on Monday, 20th May from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm and is open to the general public. 

The objective of the event is to create consumer awareness around the Legal Metrology Act and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules which implies adhering to certain standards set in terms of weights, measures, and labeling requirements to regulate trade and commerce in India.

Deepak Jolly, Chairperson, IFBA, says, “One of our primary objectives at IFBA is to enlighten and inform the consumers about all matters pertaining to food regulatory compliance, thereby helping them make informed choices. This webinar is a step forward in reinstating the belief of Indian Consumers in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing System and their regulatory compliance. The webinar will bring forth valuable insights from experts towards the increasing challenges of the global distribution of food and the role accurate measurement plays in improving the supply chain.”

The webinar will feature prominent personalities such as representatives from government bodies and industry experts. The speaker panel will include opening remarks by  Nidhi Khare, and will  be presided over by other dignitaries including Ashutosh Agarwal, Director – Legal Metrology,  M K Naik, Deputy Director – Legal Metrology, Delhi, Ashutosh Sharma, Deputy Director – Legal Metrology, Bhubaneshwar, Anjal Raj, Head Legal (South Asia), Ferrero India, and Praful Palkar, GM, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale. The closing remarks will be delivered by Dr Praveen Aggarwal, Executive Director, IFBA.

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