The Karnataka government has clubbed the Department of Food Safety and Standards with the Drug Control Department to create the FDA, merging both into one unit. Therefore, Karnataka will be aligned like other states are, in particular Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and even Uttar Pradesh as they all operate through one FDA.

Key Takeaways

Decision and Leadership:

• The head of the FDA is appointed commissioner, Commissioner of Food Safety and Standards.

• Now all the officers and staffs of the two departments will fall directly under the administrative control of the FDA commissioner.

Reason for Merger:

• It is because of the duplicate functions that of Drug Control Department and Food Safety and Standards Department.

• A unified structure will streamline operations and deliver better-quality services to the public.

Operational changes:

The FDA Commissioner has to do:

• Proposing service rules and recruitment regulations.

• Amend existing laws and rules for the merged department.

• Ensure smooth transition to the new framework.

Existing Roles and Responsibilities:

Drug Control Department:

• It has functioned independently since 1956 to enforce the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

• Ensures availability of safe, quality medicines at controlled prices.

• Manages drug testing laboratories and pharmacy education division.

Food Safety and Standards Department:

• It operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

• It ensures prevention of food adulteration and promotes access to high-quality food.

• Oversees licensing, registration, and testing of food samples through divisional laboratories in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and Mysuru.

National Alignment:

• States like Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan already have such a unified FDA framework.

• Karnataka's merger seeks to provide improved and more effective public services.

Public Benefits:

• The amalgamation of departments will enhance efficiency, reduce the overlap in administration, and ensure streamlined regulation of food and medicines.

• A single framework will allow for stronger enforcement and better programs of public welfare.

The integration of the Drug Control Department with Food Safety Department into the new regulatory body, FDA, reflects Karnataka in the process of improving effectiveness of regulation and public services offered. Integration of operations into a single body will make high quality for food and medicines well and administrative processes streamlined.