‘Singham IAS’ Tukaram Mundhe says India needs to regulate online food sector

IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe recently stated that the government of India is working on establishing rules and regulations for the online food sector to address gaps in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards Rules 2011. Mundhe, who gained popularity for his strict crackdown on food vendors in Mumbai and elsewhere, emphasized the need for legislation and regulations to regulate the e-commerce food sector, which has emerged since the implementation of the 2006 Act.

He highlighted the need to identify issues at various levels, including policy, legislation, implementation, and infrastructure, and stressed the importance of proactive solutions to new challenges. Mundhe also discussed the lack of awareness and sensitization towards food safety and standards, suggesting that a culture of food safety should be developed at home and extended to the public level.

Regarding price capping for hospital consumables, Mundhe mentioned submitting a report to the government outlining huge trade margins and suggested options such as capping profits, increasing regulation, or bringing hospital consumables under the Drug Price Control Order. Finally, Mundhe addressed vigilance during festivals, explaining that it is about food safety and a standing order has been issued to categorize festivals into three levels based on their significance.