Understanding Agmark

Agmark is a certification mark employed in India to signify that a product complies with specific quality standards.

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) supervises it.
• AGMARK is a quality assurance mark for agricultural products, certifying that they adhere to a grade standard notified by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI), Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under Agricultural Produce (Grading Marking) Act, 1937.

The Suggested Change:

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is contemplating the removal of Agmark registration for edible oils obtained from various sources.
• This implies that for these edible oils, only an FSSAI licence would be needed, and an Agmark registration would not be required separately.

The Reason Behind the Proposed Change:

• The FSSAI states that the proposed change would simplify business operations and decrease the number of laws regulating the food sector.
• It would also be in line with the 'one nation, one law' objective.

Reaction of the Industry to the Proposed Change:

• The edible oil industry has expressed its support for the proposed change.
• The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) believes that the change would simplify procedures and is beneficial for both the industry and the nation.

Implications of the Proposed Change:

• The proposed change would have several consequences, including:
  • It would simplify the process for businesses to sell edible oils.
  • It would reduce the cost of compliance for businesses.
  • It would make it easier for consumers to identify quality edible oils.

Conclusion:

• The FSSAI's proposal to eliminate Agmark registration for edible oils is a positive move that would simplify business operations and decrease the number of laws regulating the food sector.
• It would also be in line with the 'one nation, one law' objective. The edible oil industry has expressed its support for the proposed change.