Question

Meat food products order 1973 was promoted under the act

• A. Right to food act
• B. Essential services maintenance act
• C. Essential commodities act, 1955
• D. Consumer protection act, 1986

Hint:

Before FSSAI unified all food regulations in 2006, almost all major Indian product-specific quality control orders (like MFPO, FPO, and MMPO) were legally enforced under the umbrella of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific legislative Act under which the Government of India promoted the Meat Food Products Order (MFPO), 1973.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Meat Food Products Order (MFPO), 1973: This regulatory order was established to control and monitor the manufacturing, sanitary standards, hygiene, and overall quality of meat food products in India. It mandated licensing for meat processors to ensure clean operations.

• The Parent Act: The order was promulgated under the authority of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

• Legislative Mechanism: Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 empowers the Indian Central Government to regulate the production, distribution, supply, and trade of essential items (which include foodstuffs, edible oils, meat, etc.) to ensure their fair availability and maintain public health standards.

• Regulatory Evolution: Historically, several food-specific orders were enacted under this parent act (such as the Fruit Products Order - FPO, and Milk and Milk Products Order - MMPO). With the implementation of the comprehensive Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) in 2006, these separate orders were repealed and integrated under a single authority: the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

• Other Options:

• The Right to Food Act relates to modern food security initiatives.

• The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is utilized to maintain public order and prevent strikes in critical sectors.

• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 deals with generic consumer disputes and unfair trade practices rather than specific food production hygiene standards.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Meat Food Products Order, 1973 was established under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, making option (C) the correct choice.