1.   

It’s time Government focused on food safety

An increase in the purchasing power of the people has led to the thriving of many industries and the health food industry’s is a case of tall claims with little scientific data to back the astounding claims used to promote it. Advertisements, for instance, claim that regular consumption of a certain product will make the child ‘taller and stronger’.

2.   

India needs control mechanisms to monitor food throughout supply chain

India is in urgent need of control mechanisms to monitor food items. There is insufficient quality control in the earlier parts of the supply chain, but one can expect the Indian authorities to introduce measures, given the potential of increasing the high quality food. These views were aired by Declan MacFadden, the president of Symrise Asia Pacific Ltd, a German group manufacturing and marketing food flavours and fragrances in the region.

3.   

New rules for food importers – Sri Lanka

Food importers, under new regulations to be implemented, must ensure that imports reach Sri Lanka prior to the expiration of a minimum of 60% of time before the expiry date, the ministry of health said today. A circular issued to this effect by the ministry under the Food Act of 1980 and the regulations will be effective from August 1st.

4.   

DEPB scheme for exporters to end on June 30

Rejecting exporters’ repeated pleas, the Finance Ministry today said the popular DEPB tax rebate scheme will come to an end from June 30, saving revenue for the Government.“All exports will be zero-rated after the Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) scheme ends. Two similar kind of schemes cannot go on. It will save some revenue for the Government,” the Revenue Secretary, Mr Sunil Mitra, told presspersons here.