In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) held a meeting with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) to further discuss food safety and regulatory standards between the two nations. The meeting took place at Bharat Mandapam on the sidelines of the Global Food Regulators Summit. The Agreement aims to boost food safety standards, streamline trade, and enhance technical collaboration between India and Bhutan. 

A Mutual Commitment to Safer Food 

The Agreement marks a mutual commitment between India and Bhutan to strengthen cooperation in food safety by aligning regulatory frameworks and simplifying food import procedures. It also emphasizes fostering technical collaboration between the FSSAI and BFDA. One of the key elements of this partnership is FSSAI’s recognition of BFDA’s control over food business operators (FBOs) in Bhutan, which will help ensure safer food imports from Bhutan to India. 

Mr. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Today’s meeting marks a pivotal development in our partnership with Bhutan in the area of food safety and trade facilitation. The Agreement and the outcomes of our discussions are set to streamline trade processes and enhance food safety standards. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards for consumers. By working closely with the BFDA, we are building a robust and effective food safety framework that will serve the interests of both nations.” 

Enhancing Technical Cooperation 

The bilateral meeting focused on implementing the Agreement and discussed the steps both FSSAI and BFDA have taken so far. To further strengthen the partnership, the two authorities explored various opportunities for technical cooperation and capacity building for BFDA officials. These capacity-building initiatives aim to equip Bhutan’s food safety officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement and regulate food safety standards effectively. 

Ms. Gyem Bidha, Director of BFDA, emphasized the Agreement’s role in facilitating safe food trade between the two countries. She acknowledged the leadership of FSSAI in food safety and expressed her appreciation for the support extended to Bhutan. “This bilateral meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the implementation challenges while exporting to India and on the areas of technical cooperation and capacity building to effectively implement the Agreement at the grassroots. We thank FSSAI for the invitation to participate in the Global Food Regulators Summit,” said Ms. Bidha. 

A Shared Vision for Improved Food Safety 

The collaboration between India and Bhutan is part of a broader effort to improve food safety in the region by establishing a functional mechanism that facilitates trade and ensures the highest food quality standards for consumers in both countries. The Agreement is expected to simplify food import procedures, allowing for smoother trade between India and Bhutan while ensuring that imported food meets rigorous safety standards. 

Senior officials from both countries, including representatives from the Food Quality and Safety Division of BFDA and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, attended the meeting. Also in attendance was Ms. Tashi Peldon, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi. 

Looking Ahead 

The collaboration between FSSAI and BFDA is expected to create a sustainable framework for food safety, which will help both countries navigate the challenges of globalization and the increasing demand for high-quality food products. Through ongoing technical cooperation, capacity-building programs, and streamlined regulatory processes, India and Bhutan are set to become regional leaders in ensuring food safety, benefiting not only their respective populations but also setting a standard for neighbouring countries. 

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