Revanth’s Big Step To Tackle Adulterated Food And Illegal Drugs

In a major step against adulterated food and illegal drugs across Telangana, CM Revanth Reddy announced the formation of the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG-SAFE).

CM Revanth made this formal announcement during his Independence Day speech. He said the state government has formed TG-SAFE to take strict action against food adulteration and the illegal drug trade in entire Telangana, including Hyderabad. 

TG-SAFE is formed by merging the Food Safety Department and Drugs Control Administration (DCA) under one administrative system.The government has passed the orders to this effect. The government said the merger is only for administrative purposes. The Food Safety Department and DCA will continue to use their legal powers separately under their respective laws

2005-batch IPS officer Avinash Mohanty, who is currently serving as Director General of the Drugs Control Administration, has been appointed as the Commissioner of TG-SAFE in addition to his existing duties. Mohanty has also been notified as the Commissioner of Food Safety for Telangana.

TG-SAFE will have six wings covering drug control, food safety, enforcement, legal matters, laboratories and administration. The new system will first be implemented in the CURE region, where there is a high number of food businesses and drug establishments. The two departments will share common systems for inspections, intelligence, legal work, laboratories and data analysis..

The new system is expected to improve coordination and help authorities take faster action against adulterated food, unsafe products and drug-related violations.