India and Bhutan deepen ties on food safety, regulatory standards

The meeting focused on implementation protocol of the “Agreement” signed between India and BFDA on 21 March 2024, during the visit of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

"This Agreement underscores a mutual commitment to enhance food safety, aligning regulatory frameworks, simplifying the Food Import Procedure and fostering technical collaboration," read a government statement.

The Agreement aims to recognize the official control exercised by BFDA over food business operators (FBOs) by the FSSAI.

The Agreement further seeks to enhance technical cooperation between FSSAI and BFDA, establishing a functional mechanism to facilitate and develop trade between the two countries.

The meeting focused on Implementation of the said Agreement and steps taken by both FSSAI and BFDA in this regard.

To further enhance this collaboration, various capacity building and technical collaboration for the BFDA officials were discussed.

Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI, stated that “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 the nations.”

Gyem Bidha, Director, BFDA highlighted the importance of this Agreement in facilitating Safe Food Trade between the two countries and also acknowledged the leadership in food safety by the FSSAI, GoI.

He said, “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 grassroot”. The Director thanked FSSAI for the invitation extended to BFDA for the Global Food Regulators Summit."

The meeting was attended by Gyem Bidha Director, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), and senior officials from Food Quality and Safety Division of BFDA. Tashi Peldon, Dy. Chief of Mission, Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi, and senior officials from Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India also attended the meeting.