Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched its new initiative, FSKAN (Food Safety Knowledge Assimilation Network), which would be a framework for scientific cooperation in the area of food safety and nutrition in workshop at New Delhi attended by over 100 scientists and researchers across the country. In this workshop, gaps where the research in the area of food safety and quality is required were also identified. The network would facilitate the establishment of a scientific cooperation frame work by exchange of information and coordination of research activities across the country
Earlier in response to an expression of interest, FSSAI had received about 90 research proposals from various scientific institutions for taking up R&D studies in the areas of food safety and nutrition. Out of the proposals received, 44 projects were identified in the first level of in-house screening. These proposals were discussed during the workshop in five groups with project investigators in each group making a presentation on their proposals.
After detailed deliberations each group identified the projects which fell within the objective and responsibilities of FSSAI and therefore should be taken up for funding. Thirteen (13) research proposals were with an outlay of nearly Rs. 5 crore were recommended for funding. This would involve engaging scientists, experts, research institutions, research funding agencies and industry R&D through exchange of information and expertise, creation of affinity groups, implementation of joint projects and best practices in the fields within the Authority’s responsibility.
A logo on the FSKAN initiative depicting a network engaged in scientific research in the area of food safety was also launched in the workshop.
