Kerala has once again secured the top position in the prestigious State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2024, an annual evaluation that assesses the food safety performance of states and union territories across India. This is the second consecutive year that Kerala has maintained its leadership in this critical area, showcasing its commitment to food safety and public health.
In the 2024 rankings, Kerala was closely followed by Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, and Nagaland, all of which performed well in various food safety criteria. Kerala’s top ranking is a result of excelling in over 40 distinct areas of food safety, as highlighted by Kerala Health Minister Veena George in a recent social media post. The state particularly stood out in areas such as food safety inspections, sample collection and testing, legal enforcement through prosecution, and the number of National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-certified labs.
Moreover, Kerala showcased its efficiency by operating mobile food testing labs, conducting training programs, and raising public awareness about food safety. Minister Veena George expressed her gratitude to the dedicated workforce in the food safety department, acknowledging that their collective efforts were key to Kerala’s continued success in the national rankings.
Kerala’s consistent performance in the State Food Safety Index reflects its unwavering commitment to ensuring high standards of food safety and public health. By excelling in critical areas such as inspections, lab testing, and public awareness initiatives, the state has set a benchmark for others to follow. The dedication of the food safety department, supported by advanced facilities and rigorous enforcement, has been instrumental in achieving this success. Kerala’s leadership in food safety serves as an inspiring model for the rest of the country, demonstrating that collaborative efforts and a focus on quality can lead to sustained excellence.
