It is known that Indian sugar factories largely produce plantation white sugar which is not readily accepted in the global market. Apart from lower global prices, due to this imbalances in demand-supply position of sugar have been occurring constantly causing fall in prices and lower revenues to the sugar factories. To mitigate the problem, the Indian sugar industry experts have been emphasizing to produce raw-refined sugar which is globally traded and paves way for production of variety of other sugars. The Indian sugar industry isn’t only in pursuit of making superior quality sugar but going beyond by producing special sugars and harnessing potential of by-products for economic sustainability. In light of the market being governed by quality also, the Indian sugar industry might be able to handle stress with increase use of standard quality assurance system so as to ensure safety and quality improvement of the product and production methods.
Speaking on the need of quality control in sugar industry, Mr. Narendra Mohan – Director, National Sugar Institute expressed his views that, “Characteristics concerning quality and safety of sugar some shortcomings exist in the processing and distribution chain which include cross contamination as a result of processing issues. Cross contaminaton also occurs as a result of using same production line for different products. Recyling of inferior quality products or other intermediates is a common practice in the sugar industry with a view to extract most out of it. Therefore, the sugar industry must be structurally organized while also establishing policies and quality programmes right from the very beginning and last but not the least methods to measure consumer’s satisfaction via use of more effective quality tools and methodologies aiming for product safety. And to survive in the sugar industry it is very essential that a multi disciplinary approach is initated keeping in mind that it is the need of hour.”
“Strengthening the display of food quality signs and labels, popularizing food safety knowledge for consumers, promoting the construction of a food quality safety traceability system and improving the authencity, richness and legibility of food quality information can help consumers form better perceptions of quality and risk. The sugar industry too has to be comprehensive towards quality standards which would directly or indirectly answer consumer demand and satisfy demand in the global sugar market. At NSI, we have studied and advice a model HACCP plan for refined sugar processing with key focus on food safety and reduction or elimination of potential hazards. This safety management system will help the industry to align better their process and products as per saftey requirements prevalent in the market and thereby will help the industry to be competitvely strong in all spheres.” he further added.
To Listen to this News click on the play button.
