VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Petitions Committee is working to strengthen the Food Safety wing in line with public health protection, said Committee Chairman and Deputy Speaker K Raghu Rama Krishna Raju.
The first Regional Food Laboratory in Visakhapatnam will open in early November, with staff recruitment underway.
Speaking during his district visit to Vizag he held a meeting with officials at the District Collectorate on Wednesday morning and later addressed the media at the VC Hall.
The Chairman said the Committee discussed several issues concerning the strengthening of the Food Safety department and would bring these to the attention of the Speaker and the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Two key issues focused on improving public health and raising food safety standards in the state were thoroughly discussed during the meeting with officials.
He highlighted the acute staff shortage in the Food Safety wing, pointing out that although 500 employees are required at the state level, only about 25% of the posts are currently filled.
Since the state bifurcation, four food laboratories are yet to become fully functional. Officials have been instructed to make these operational on a war footing.
He underlined the need to upgrade laboratory facilities to test for adulteration in drinking water and dairy products. Andhra Pradesh currently ranks 29th in the national Food Safety Index.
The Committee has set a target to improve this to at least 15th next year and eventually place the state in the top five. The Committee plans to recruit personnel from village and ward secretariats to fill Food Safety vacancies, with a detailed proposal due in ten days.
The Chairman noted difficulties faced by haemophilia patients in accessing treatment. Discussions were held on providing such treatment under day care services and improving facilities at King George Hospital (KGH).
The government currently provides expensive injections such as R.8, R.9, and monoclonal antibiotics free of cost, each valued at around `50,000. The KGH Superintendent and doctors have been instructed to ensure their efficient use and management.
Quarterly city meetings and media input will monitor progress and strengthen food safety. Staff recruitment is being discussed with the District Collector.
The Chairman requested media representatives to share their valuable opinions and suggestions on food adulteration prevention and food safety.
