FSKAN (Food Safety & Knowledge Assimilation Network)

Key Facts about the initiative

Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under its mandate as specified in Section 16, 3(e) have to establish a system of network of organizations with the aim to facilitate a scientific co-operation framework by the co-ordination of activities, the exchange of information, the development and implementation of joint projects, the exchange of expertise and best practices in the fields within the Food Authority’s responsibility.

There is a great need for flow of information regarding food safety. People should be made aware about the recent developments in food safety area. This has been achieved by FSSAI by creating FSKAN portal. FSKAN would facilitate the establishment of a scientific cooperation frame work by assimilation as well as exchange of scientific information and coordination of research activities across the country. Through FSKAN, FSSAI will collaborate with premier Institutes/ Organizations/ State Agriculture Universities etc involved in science based research. It will also be a database of profiles of scientists/researchers/technologists working at premier Research Institutes/ Organizations, leading academic institutions and Universities involved in teaching and research in India who can be a resource for FSSAI or other Organizations when required to be consulted for particular purpose related to food safety. FSKAN will serve as a consortium of research thesis, e-books, e-journals, leading research papers and articles pertaining to Food safety, hygiene and nutrition.

“For more information on FSKAN, visit https://fssai.gov.in/fskan 

Two Components of FSKAN

1. Assimilation of information with scientific experts nationally or internationally on emerging food safety issues and best practices in the fields within the Food Authority’s responsibilities
2. Formulation and execution of joint projects (pull and push type) where gaps or uncertainty in risk assessment for food safety exist

Objectives of FSKAN

• Building a scientific community for collation of knowledge and expertise at one place
• Provide an electronic forum for scientific consultation
• Wider exposure of research findings
• Harmonize standard setting process
• Avoid duplication and divergent scientific opinions in food safety area
• Ensuring rapid access to information during food safety events
• Shares information on important food safety issues of global interest
• Promotes partnership and collaboration between countries
• strengthen capacity to manage food safety risks

Highlights of FSKAN

• More than 180 External Experts are linked to this network
• Around 200 Internal Experts i.e., members of Scientific Committee and Scientific Panels
• More than 75 institutions (both government and private) have given their consent for joining the network
• More than 24 open-access Journals, 50 e-Thesis, Research articles, etc. related to Food Safety and Nutrition are made available
• Set of identified concern areas/ issues across various food sectors

Way Forward

• A facility will be provided for ‘Expeditious projects’ in which short term projects/studies will be granted for cases where immediate assessments are required.
• A section ‘Call for Experts’ will be introduced where scientists/ researchers/ technologists working at premier Research Institutes/ Organizations/ Universities involved in teaching and research in India can register with FSSAI and become a member of FSKAN.
• Scientific articles and videos related to food safety will be uploaded on portal for information and dissemination.