QR CODE
1. Context
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed the implementation of QR codes on food products to enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals. This initiative aims to ensure access to safe food and empower consumers with comprehensive product information.
2. About QR Codes
- QR codes (Quick Response codes) are a type of two-dimensional barcode that can be read by smartphones and other devices with a camera.
- QR codes, invented in 1994, were initially designed for labelling automobile parts.
- They are used to store information such as website URLs, contact information, and product details.
- QR codes are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, retail, and manufacturing.
- Their integration into food products serves to enhance brand image, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency for manufacturers.
3. Importance of the Initiative
- The Indian market for packaged foods is one of the largest globally, but it also witnessed a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- The rise of NCDs is attributed, in part, to the increased consumption of aggressively marketed, easily accessible pre-packaged foods.
- Ashim Sanyal, CEO of Consumer VOICE, highlights the importance of informed consumer choices and the need for accurate product information.
- The FSSAI directive outlines that QR codes must contain detailed product information such as ingredients, nutritional facts, allergens, manufacturing and expiry dates, and contact details for customer inquiries.
- It's emphasized that the QR code isn't a replacement for mandatory product label information but an additional accessibility feature for the visually impaired.
- The recommendation aligns with FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
4. Role in Food Literacy and Consumer Behavior
- Researchers emphasize the importance of accurate food labels, particularly with the rising preference for high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar pre-packaged foods.
- FSSAI's front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) strategy and the use of QR codes are recognized as pivotal tools to educate and alert consumers, helping them make informed choices.
5. Global Trends in QR Code Usage
- The U.S., India, France, and the U.K. stand as leading users of QR codes.
- Reports and surveys highlight that consumers are increasingly scanning QR codes for food-related information.
- The global packaged food market has seen substantial growth, with QR codes being favoured for their ability to provide easy access to product information.
6. Conclusion
The inclusion of QR codes on food products is a significant step towards empowering consumers with vital product information, aligning with global trends in technology and consumer preferences. This initiative not only aids the visually impaired but also enhances consumer awareness and choice in a rapidly evolving food market.
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For Prelims: QR codes, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, non-communicable diseases,
For Mains:
1. Suggest ways to leverage QR codes on food products to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns in India. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statement: (UPSC 2018)
1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
2. Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Your answers to these items should be based on the passage only.
Policymakers and media have placed the blame for skyrocketing food prices on a variety of factors, including high fuel prices, bad weather in key food producing countries, and the diversion of land to non-food production. Increased emphasis, however, has been placed on a surge in demand for food from the most populous emerging economics. It seems highly probable that mass consumption in these countries could be well poised to create a food crisis.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: (UPSC 2021)
1. Oil producing countries are one of the reasons for high food prices.
2. If there is a food crisis in the world in the near future, it will be in the emerging economies. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
3. With reference to consumer's rights/privileges under the provisions of the law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2012)
1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of the death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
4. Which of the following are correct about QR code? (Telangana SET 2018)
i) It is a two-dimensional (matrix) machine-readable bar code made up of black and white squares.
ii) It is used for storing URLs or other information that link directly to text, emails, websites, phone numbers.
iii) It can store up to 7089 digits.
A. i, ii only B. ii, iii only C. i, ii, iii D. i,iii only
Answer: C
5. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act has been enacted in the year ___ (CTET 2018)
A. 1995 B. 1999 C. 2016 D. 1992
Answer: C
6. With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011? (UPSC 2016)
1. List of ingredients including additives
2. Nutrition information
3. Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reaction
4. Vegetarian/ non-vegetarian
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1, 2 and 3 B. 2, 3 and 4 C. 1, 2 and 4 D. 1 and 4 only
Answer: C
7. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? (2014) 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: C |
Source: The Hindu
