Unified food processing law to be finalised soon

Chennai: The centre will soon invite views on a comprehensive draft law for the food processing sector, due to be published shortly. Currently, the sector is subject to around 15 statutory, which the draft law is proposed to replace them by incorporating the relevant provisions.

According to union minister of state (independent charge) for Food Processing Industries, Subodh Kant Sahai said, "Comments of the state government will be obtained on the draft. A regulatory authority for the sector is also being planned." The draft now awaits the final views of four ministries viz agriculture, commerce, law and health.

He also said that the state governments should follow the centre's policy of encouraging food processing units by sufficient tax measures. The states should not increase the sales tax rates thereby negating the tax concessions announced by the centre.