CSIR MISSION :
Food Safety Portal
In June 2018, a mission mode programme was launched as Food and Consumer Safety Solutions (FOCUS) which was a joint initiative of seven CSIR laboratories, with CSIR-IITR serving as the coordinating institution.
In January 2021, the CSIR launched "Advancing Technological Leads for Assuring Food Safety (ATLAS)", a mission mode programme in collaboration with thirteen CSIR laboratories and CSIR-IITR serving as the nodal institute.
Food contaminated with hazardous bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical compounds and adulteration are linked to more than 200 ailments, ranging from diarrhea to cancer. According to an estimate of WHO, out of 600 million individuals, nearly one tenth people get sick due to the consumption of tainted food, leading to 420000 deaths all over the globe. Food and other commodities are accessible across borders as a result of globalization. Food is processed or blended with chemicals, additives, and flavour enhancers for storage, shipping, and preserving eatables and food for long periods. As a result, finding safe and hygienic meals for each individual has become challenging. Post-harvest losses, insect attacks, and chemical preservatives in processed foods are significant challenges. Chemicals retain in food, and when they enter the body, they cause an adverse effect.
In June 2018, a mission mode programme was launched as Food and Consumer Safety Solutions (FOCUS) which was a joint initiative of seven CSIR laboratories, with CSIR-IITR serving as the coordinating institution. This mission delivered several technologies include adulterant detection methods in milk and milk products, an electrostatic coating system to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, multi-analyte sensors to detect spoilage in packaged food commodities and mycotoxins, a web portal to digitalize information for better reach, and outreach activities were conducted to connect the stakeholders and common citizens. This project also assisted the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
In January 2021, the CSIR launched "Advancing Technological Leads for Assuring Food Safety (ATLAS)", a mission mode programme in collaboration with thirteen CSIR laboratories and CSIR-IITR serving as the nodal institute.
Mission Themes :
- Technologies for food safety and security
- Alternate analytical approaches and techniques
- Innovative and affordable sensors/devices
- Smart food packaging solutions
- Digital interventions for food safety
Mission Themes :
- Milk and Milk Products
- Beverages and packaged foods
- Ghee and Edible oils
- Safety solutions for Post-harvest produce
- Development of multi-analyte detection methods
- Digital Food safety portal system