India and Bhutan Deepen Cooperation on Food Safety and Regulatory Standards

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, held a bilateral meeting with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) during the Global Food Regulators Summit at Bharat Mandapam. The meeting focused on implementing the “Agreement” signed on March 21, 2024, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan.

The Agreement aims to enhance food safety, align regulatory frameworks, simplify food import procedures, and foster technical cooperation between the two nations. It also seeks mutual recognition of the BFDA’s control over Bhutanese food business operators (FBOs) by the FSSAI.

Key Focus Areas

Implementation of the Agreement: Steps were reviewed to implement the provisions of the Agreement, aiming to streamline trade and elevate food safety standards.

Technical Cooperation: Discussion centered on building technical collaboration and capacity for BFDA officials to maintain high food safety standards.

Capacity Building: Empowering BFDA officials through training and cooperation was highlighted as a core component of the collaboration.

Leadership Remarks

G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI: Emphasized the Agreement’s importance in strengthening trade and food safety, noting the shared commitment to consumer quality standards.

Gyem Bidha, Director, BFDA: Highlighted the Agreement’s role in facilitating safe food trade, acknowledging FSSAI’s leadership and discussing export challenges to India.

Attendees

Senior officials from FSSAI, the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health, BFDA, and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy were present.