The directive aims to improve transparency by providing passengers with information about the nature, origin, and manufacturing details of the food.
In a meeting on 16 January, FSSAI engaged with prominent flight caterers and airlines to assess and improve the current food safety protocols. (Supplied)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed all airlines and flight caterers to strictly adhere to food safety norms, as discussed in a meeting held on Tuesday, 16 January.
During the meeting, the FSSAI directed caterers and airlines to assess and enhance food safety protocols, aiming to identify areas that require improvement. The objective is to reaffirm the commitment to delivering safe and top-quality inflight meals to passengers.
Taking cognizance of the widespread concern over the limited information passengers have about inflight meals, FSSAI CEO Ganji Kamala V Rao instructed all airlines and caterers to strictly follow sub-regulation 5(10)(f) and 8(4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
This means that the passengers should be aware of the “date and time of manufacture” of the packed meals served onboard airlines, railways, and mobile catering units.
“This directive aims to improve transparency by providing passengers with detailed information about the nature, origin, and manufacturing-related details of the food served during flights,” FSSAI said in a statement.
Further, the CEO highlighted the importance of menu labelling as a powerful tool to inform passengers about the contents of the food served, enabling them to make informed choices.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the significance of promptly and effectively addressing consumer grievances. Airline caterers were encouraged to implement robust mechanisms for swift resolution, incorporating both corrective and preventive actions to minimise food safety-related incidents.
In response to a recent complaint from a passenger who found worms in her sandwich during a flight, the FSSAI took action by issuing a show-cause notice to the airline. The incident prompted regulatory scrutiny and intervention to address potential food safety concerns on flights.
The meeting underscored the industry’s pivotal role in guaranteeing passenger safety and satisfaction. There was a specific emphasis on the necessity for specialised training programmes for catering staff to ensure a thorough comprehension of food safety and hygiene practices.
This initiative aligns with FSSAI’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of food safety and hygiene within the airline catering industry.
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