Which of the following statements is/are correct with

Solution

The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2022- 2023 is released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that shows the performance of Indian states in ensuring food safety.   The 2022- 2023 index introduced a new parameter, 'Improvement in SFSI Rank', which assessed a state's progress from the previous year. To accommodate this change, weights of other parameters were adjusted. 19 out of 20 large states — including Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh — recorded a drop in their 2023 scores from 2019.   After adjusting for a new parameter included in the 2023 index, 15 out of 20 states recorded lower 2023 scores compared to 2019. Decline in 'Food Testing Infrastructure': o   This parameter experienced the steepest fall, with the average score for all large states dropping from 13 out of 20 in 2019 to 7 out of 17 in 2022 - 2023. o   Gujarat and Kerala emerged as best performers in this parameter in 2022 - 2023 while Andhra Pradesh performed the worst.   Compliance Scores Decreased: o   This parameter measures licensing and registration of food businesses, inspections conducted, special drives and camps organized, and other such compliance-related tasks carried out by each state’s food safety authority. o   Punjab and Himachal Pradesh received the highest scores in this parameter and Jharkhand got the lowest score.    Varied Consumer Empowerment: o   Tamil Nadu emerged as the top performer followed by Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.