Objectives Of The Integrated Food Law Environmental Sciences Essay

Consolidate the Torahs associating to nutritive and set up a individual mention point for either affairs associating to food synthetic rubber and criterions, by change of location from multi-level, multi-departmental control to a individual line of bid.Establish the food for thought arctic and Standards Authority of India ( FSSAI ) as an flush regulative authorization for puting down scientific discipline found criterions for articles of intellectual nourishment.Regulate industry, storage, distribution and sale and aftermath of articles of alimental to contract handiness of safe and whole almost food for thought for human ingestion.Pool substructure, manpower and proving installations for part criterion arrested bankruptment and enforcement through their proper redisposition and consideration. unsanded commissariats of FSS playactCovering Functional aliments, addendums, Nutraceuticals trim back of Licenses within 2 months of application.Provision of Improvement No tice by Designated incumbents Prosecution, should be within 1 year of offense.Particular Courts for drumhead testsCompensation to Victims ( for all instance of Injury/ Grievous injury/ Death )Wagess to betrayers ( inform close the lawbreakers debasement etcetera ) by State Govt.197One composite licence for unit ( s ) falling in one countryPromoting Self ordinance and attachment to specified wholesome safety rede dodges.No License for junior-grade wholesome concern operators merely enrollment is compulsory rudimentary licensing from Authority for high threaten points. forage caoutchouc Officer with a wider authorization will counterchange nourishing Inspector.Decriminalization of jurisprudence and expeditious disposal of instances Financial punishments for less serious instances.Right to wrangle query lab consequences by choosing to direct sample to commissioned look for lab.6.102 About the authorization, function and trans carry out and the powers of the Autho rity the Committee were informed that nutrition Authority has the authorization of puting down scientific discipline based criterions for articles of intellectual nourishment and to modulate their industry, storage, distribution, sale and import to guarantee handiness of safe and wholesome solid food for human ingestion. The duties are as follows( a ) Developing the criterions and guidelines in sexual relation to articles ofnutrient and stipulating an appropriate form of rules for implementing consortcriterions notified infra this Act ( B ) arrested development of the bounds for practice of nutrient additives, harvestcontaminations, pesticide residues, residues of veterinary drugs, impenetrable metals, treating AIDSs, myco-toxins, antibiotics andpharmacological expeditious substances and irradiation of nutrient ( percentage point Celsius ) advising the mechanisms and guidelines for accreditation of corroboration organic structures engaged in enfranchisement of nutrient s afetydirection systems for nutrient concerns ( vitamin D ) maturation the help and the enforcement of quality controlin relation to any article of nutrient trade into India ( vitamin E ) developing the process and guidelines for accreditation ofresearch labs and telling of the commissioned research labs 198( leg Fahrenheit ) advising the method of trying, compend and exchange ofinformation among enforcement governments ( g ) fashion study of enforcement and disposal of this Act inthe postulate ( H ) lay down nutrient labelling criterions including claims on wellness,nutrition, particular dietetic utilizations and nutrient class systems for nutrients and( I ) the mode in which and the process topic to which threatenanalysis, hazard appraisal, hazard communicating and hazard direction shall be undertaken.( J ) provide scientific advice and in force(p) support to the aboriginalGovernment and the State Governments in affairs of b dispositioning the policy and regulations in countries which restrain a direct or indirect bearing on nutrient safety and nutrition ( K ) hunt, collect, collate, break down and summarise relevant scientificand proficient informations peculiarly associating to ( I ) nutrient ingestion and the exposure of persons to hazards relate to the ingestion of nutrient ( two ) incidence and prevalence of biological hazard ( three ) contaminations in nutrient ( four ) residues of versatile contaminations ( V ) designation of emerging hazards and( six ) debut of rapid watchful system ( cubic decimeter ) promote, coordinate and issue guidelines for the developmentof hazard appraisal methodological analysiss and proctor and expression and forward messages on the wellness and nutritionary hazards of nutrient to the cardinal Government, State Governments and Commissioners of fodder Safety ( m ) provide scientific and proficient advice and countenance to theCardinal Government and the State Governments in199 populace presentation of cr isis direction processs with comply to nutrient safety and to pull up a general program for crisis direction and prepare in close co-operation with the crisis unit set up by the Cardinal Government in this respect ( N ) set up a system of vane of administrations with the purpose toease a scientific co-operation toughie by the co-ordinationof activities, the exchange of information, the development and deed of joint undertakings, the exchange of expertness andbest patterns in the Fieldss within the aliment Authorityaaa?sduty ( o ) provide scientific and proficient aid to the CentralGovernment and the State Governments for bettering cooperation with international administrations ( P ) take all such stairss to guarantee that the populace, consumers, provoke parties and all gunpoints of panchayets receive rapid, dependable, nonsubjective and comprehensive information through appropriate methods and agencies ( Q ) provide, whether within or after-school(prenominal) their country, preparationprogrammes in nutrient safety and criterions for individuals who are or intend to go involved in nutrient concerns, whether as nutrient concern operators or employees or new(prenominal)wise ( R ) undertake any other undertaking assigned to it by the CentralGovernment to transport out the objects of this Act ( s ) contribute to the development of international proficientcriterions for nutrient, healthful and phyto-sanitary criterions ( T ) contribute, where relevant and appropriate to the developmentof brain on acknowledgment of the equality of specific nutrient related steps ( u ) promote co-ordination of sprain on nutrient criterions undertaken byinternational governmental and nongovernmental administrations 200( V ) promote consistence mingled with international proficient criterionsand domestic nutrient criterions while guaranting that the horizontal surface of vindication adopted in the state is non reduced and( tungsten ) promote general sentience as to nutrie nt safety and nutrientcriterions.6.103 When asked about the adequateness of substructure, study force,installations, etc. available with the Authority vis-a-vis undertaking at manus and thestairss organism taken to take deficits, if any along with their time-lines theAuthority replied that The aliment Safety and Standards Act, 2006 seeks toreplace the multiple nutrient Torahs, standard puting organic structures and enforcementbureaus prevalent in the state with one integrated nutrient jurisprudence. Hitherto,nutrient was beingness correct in the state through assorted bureaus underdifferent Ministries/Departments. The States/UTs are responsible forexecution of Prevention of feed debasement Act, 1954, while there areother cardinal bureaus under assorted Acts and Orders viz. , the Fruit ProductsOrder, 1955, the Meat Food Products Order,1973, the Milk and Milk MerchandisesOrder, 1992, the Vegetable Oil Products ( Control ) Order, 1947, the digestibleOils Packaging ( Regulation ) Order, 1998, the Solvent Extracted Oil, De oiledMeal, and Edible Flour ( Control ) Order,1967 and any other order issuedunder the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 for licensing of industries.The nutrient regulative mechanism had several constrictions in executionas follows( a ) Multiplicity of nutrient Torahs, standard scene and enforcementbureaus for different sectors of nutrient( B ) Varied Quality/Safety criterions and hapless harmonisation( degree Celsius ) Thin spread of work force, hapless research labs substructure andother resources( vitamin D ) Standards stiff and non-responsive to scientific promotionsand modern engineerings( vitamin E ) Poor information airing to consumers.6.104 The cardinal characteristics of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to201address the challenges in nutrient safety are( a ) Motion from multi-level and multi-department control to aindividual line of bid( B ) FSSAI as a individual mention point for all affairs associating to FoodSafety and Stan dards, Regulations and Enforcement( degree Celsius ) Unified licencing system and proviso for enrollment of littlenutrient concern operators( vitamin D ) Achieve high grade of consumer assurance in quality andsafety of nutrient( vitamin E ) Effective, transparent and accountable regulative model( degree Fahrenheit ) Emphasis on drowsy displacement from regulative government to selfconformity( g ) Adequate information airing on nutrient to enable consumerto do informed picks.( H ) Mechanism for speedy disposal of instances and proviso for class-consciouspunishments based on gravitation of discourtesy( I ) Food research labs accredited by NABL or other suited bureau.( J ) Focus on nutrient safety throughout the full nutrient concatenation.( K ) Preventive attack based on nutrient safety system instead than death merchandise attack.( cubic decimeter ) Emphasis on preparation and capacity edifice of all stakeh gagaers( m ) Consistency between domestic and international nutrient criter ionswithout cut drink precautions to public wellness and consumerprotection6.105 The undermentioned activities have been done so far toward theexecution of FSS Act, 2006( a ) Food Authority/ Central Advisory Committee, 8 Scientific Panels,and Scientific Committee established.( B ) Integration of Staff under element 90 from assortedMinistries/Departments( degree Celsius ) Gap analysis survey of 50 State Food testing Laboratoriescompleted( vitamin D ) Food Import ordinance mechanism started at major ports ofentries.202( vitamin E ) repair interactions with State/ UTs to guarantee readyingtoward execution( degree Fahrenheit ) Awareness Generation, bringing up of State regulators ( more(prenominal) than400 forces trained including trainers ) ,( g ) More than 20 National consultations/ Regional Conferencesincluding one International shop conducted( H ) Model for accreditation of the nutrient research labs, enfranchisement/Inspection organic structures to scrutinize conformity to nut rient safety system, Food safety Plan.( I ) Rules for assorted commissariats under FSS Act, 2006 notified on 5-5-2011.( J ) Regulations for assorted commissariats under FSS Act, 2006 areunder blessing and likely to be notified shortly6.106 Although, the Act was notified on 24th August, 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was notified merely on 5th September, 2008. The Authority could get down working from January/ February, 2009 with the transportation system of staff from assorted Ministries/ Departments and the assignment of a full clip Chief Executive Officer.6.107 The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 will come into force threemonths after the presentment of the Rules, i.e. from 5th August, 2011. The pursuit 5 onetime(a) ages are hence, really important as several new activities andenterprises will take off, for which equal substructure, including change magnitudework force, is perfectly indispensable for winnerful enforcement of the Act. Theenforcement o f the Act is through the State Government machinery andState Governments neediness to be suitably and rapidly strengthened toguarantee effectual enforcement. In the first three old ages of its being, theFSSAI has been allotted Rs.8.00cr in 2008-09, Rs.21.00cr. in 2009-10 andRs. 32.37 crore in 2010-11 mainly for wages and assortedadministrative disbursals. This degree of strain allocation goat non evidently run into the demands of FSSAI in the subsequent old ages and will be grossly unequal for transporting out its authorization. Therefore, FSSAI requires significant support for the following 5 old ages both for Central degree and State degree substructure and work force.2036.108 The followers was submitted by the Authority about the jobs to be address( a ) Inadequate substructure, manpower and other resources at theCardinal and State degrees for enforcement of the FSS Act.( B ) Inadequate research lab substructure at Central and State degrees fortesting of nutrient articles.( deg ree Celsius ) Lack of brain of consumers and other stakeholders about nutrientsafety issues.( vitamin D ) Existing licencing mechanism under multiple bureaus which demandsto be replaced with a incorporate licensing/ enrollment mechanismunder the FSS Act.( vitamin E ) Lack of any integrated nutrient safety surveillance system, includingsurveillance of import nutrient.( degree Fahrenheit ) Need for constitution of e- administration system from panchayetdegree up for nutrient safety affairs.( g ) Absence of any national degree province of the art establishment for transportingout research on nutrient scientific discipline and hazard appraisal.( H ) Lack of trained forces and absence of any cardinal preparationinstitute to provide to the demands of FSSAI for execution of the FSS Act.6.109 About the stairss proposed to Address the above Problems, it wassubmitted that the undermentioned activities are proposed for turn toing the aboveissuesA. At Central degree( a ) Strengthening of FSSAI aaa?s central divisionsStaffing with equal figure of suitably qualified forces bodily structure of new office edifice for FSSAI headquarterConstruction of residential adjustment for FSSAI staff( B ) maturation of scientific discipline based criterionsEnrolling forces with makings and expertness in relevant field204Constitution of a National Food Science and Risk Assessment reduce( degree Celsius ) Food proving installationsUpgradation of bing Central Food Laboratory at Kolkata and constitution of new CFL at Mumbai.Constitution of proving installations for genetically modifiednutrient.( vitamin D ) Surveillance mechanismDevelopment of a nutrient safety surveillance model andset uping a mechanism for surveillance, both active andpassive, which will be implemented through a competentbureau selected through a competitory procedure.Safety of import nutrient for which equal figure offorces, and substructure for new offices are required.( vitamin E ) Enforcement of the ActStaff demand for cardinal licensingAwareness coevals and educational programmes Communication through mediaDevelopment of developing stuff and particular classs inassociation with professional establishments and universitiesConstitution of National Food Safety preparedness Institute( NFSTI )Training of stakeholders at NFSTI( degree Fahrenheit ) Reward strategy for information on stretch/ insecure nutrient( g ) Constitution of a national helplineB. At State degree( a ) Strengthening of territory degree nutrient safety officeConstruction of edificeProvision of office equipment, vehicle etc.( B ) Food proving installations205Upgradation of 62 public nutrient research labsUpgradation of 10 public nutrient research labs to referralresearch labsSupplying one nomadic nutrient research lab apiece to every State and U.T.Supplying one nutrient research lab each to 150 territories.( degree Celsius ) Constitution of exigency response Centre in each State( vitamin D ) Training programmes by the States/ UT s( vitamin E ) Information, instruction and communicating activities of the StateGovernments( degree Fahrenheit ) E- administration from panchayat degree upwardsExisting webs of other Ministries will be utilised.6.110 When queried about the on-going initiatives the undermentioned information was submitted to the Committee( a ) 355 displace have been sanctioned for FSSAI in September, 2010,most of the Service Rules have been approved by theGovernment and enlisting Rules are being finalised for make fullingup the stations. Besides the Authority has further made a doubtfulappraisal of work force demand for providing to assortedduties assigned to the Authority as per FSS Act, 2006over following program period for its effectual and smoothexecution.( B ) Gap analysis of 50 nutrient proving research labs has been carriedout.( degree Celsius ) Imported nutrient clearance procedure has been taken over at 5ports, 4 airdromes and ICDs at Delhi and operationalisation ofactivities at 7 extra p orts planned for 2011-12.( vitamin D ) FSSAI Regional Offices have been established in Delhi andMumbai.( vitamin E ) Procedure of standard scene for some new points as, for illustrationprobiotics, nutrient for particular tendency and nutritionary utilizations, alcoholic drinks, trans fatty acids, GM nutrient labelling, caffeinated drinks etc. have been initiated.206( degree Fahrenheit ) Training programmes have been organised for Food SafetyCommissioners, Food Safety Officers ( ToT ) , Designated war machine officersand true Officers ( for import nutrient safety ) . SeveralStates have conducted farther preparation programmes for their Food Safety Officers.( g ) For consciousness coevals, print advertizements on nutrient safety,characteristic programme on Doordarshan, Kalyani and wireless jangles on AIR have already been initiated. Booklets, booklets etc. on FSSAI have been widely distributed. FSSAI at any rate has a really enlightening web site which is daily updated.( H ) Advis ories have been issued by FSSAI whenever warranted, asfor illustration in the instance of cyanuramide in imported milk, possibility of radioactive taint in imported nutrients from Japan, antibiotics in honey etc.( I ) FSSAI has established linkages with relevant institutes fordevelopment of developing stuff or carry oning studies/ studiesor reding FSSAI in proficient affairs. Such institutes are IIPA,IGNOU, NIN, IIMB, EIC, NISG, APEDA, NDDB, QCI, IVRI andCFTRI.6.111 As respects timelines for the intent it was say that the activitiesof FSSAI are ongoing. However, the first 5 old ages after the Act comes intoforce are the most important old ages as the success of the Act and the fulfillmentof its authorization will wholly depend on the handiness of financess for originating allthe activities include in the strategy. Therefore, budget demand hasbeen projected for the first 5 old ages, which coincides with the Twelfth Five stratum Plan period.6.112 Asked to spell out the quantum of fun d required for the activities proposed the undermentioned estimations were furnished to the CommitteeBroad point in time of Activity/ Initiative Fund Required in 12th PlanPeriod ( Rs.in crore )Cardinal aim State/UT degreeStrengthening of Food Safety Infrastructure both at 630.00 410.00Cardinal and State degree207Strengthening of Food Laboratory Infrastructure 195.00 1021.00( Including Up-gradation of 72 Public Labs, Mobile Labs, Food Lab at each District, National Food Science & A Risk Assessment Centre and Up-gradation of CFLsTraining & A Capacity Building of Stakeholders including 15.00 30.00National Food Safety Training InstituteE-Governance system for Food Safety from Panchayat 506.00 50.00upwards and Food Safety SurveillanceCommunication, Awareness & A educational Programmes 900.00 350.00New Building for FSSAI Headquarter & A Housing installation 450.00 for staffSUB- TOTAL 2696.00 1861.00GRAND TOTAL 4557.00 label Fiscal spending of Rs. 2,530 crore required by State/UT Gov ernments in footings of merely wage of work force for Enforcement System during the 12th Five Year Plan is non included in the above.Regulating and supervise of Imported nutrientAs per Clause 16 of the Act( 1 ) aaE?it shall be the responsibleness of the Food Authority to modulate and supervise the industry, processing, distribution, sale and import of nutrient so as to guarantee safe and wholesome nutrient.( 2 ) Without bias to the commissariats of sub-section ( 1 ) , the FoodAuthority may by ordinances constringe ( a ) The criterions and guidelines in relation to articles of nutrientand stipulating an appropriate system for implementing assortedcriterions notified under this Act( B ) the bounds for usage of nutrient additives, harvest contaminations,pesticide residues, residues of veterinary drugs, heavymetals, treating AIDSs, myco-toxinz, antibiotics andpharmacological active substances and irradiation of nutrient ( degree Celsius ) the mechanisms and guidelines for accreditati on ofenfranchisement organic structures engaged in enfranchisement of nutrient safetydirection systems for nutrient concerns ( vitamin D ) the process and the enforcement of quality control inrelation to any article of nutrient imported into India ( vitamin E ) the process and guidelines for accreditation ofresearch labs and presentment of the commissioned research labs ( degree Fahrenheit ) the method of trying, analysis and exchange ofinformation among enforcement governments 208( g ) behavior study of enforcement and disposal of thisAct in the Country ( H ) nutrient labeling criterions including claims on wellness,nutrition, particular dietetic utilizations and nutrient class systemsfor nutrients and( I ) the mode in which and the process topic to whichhazard analysis, hazard appraisal, hazard communicating and hazard direction shall be undertaken.6.113 As reportedly nutrient products/commodities derived from transgenic beginnings are being sold in the Country, the Committee des ired to cognize about the action taken by the Authority with a position to modulate the distribution, sale and import of such points. In response they were informed that at present all affairs refering to GM Organisms including GM nutrient is regulated by Genetic Engineering Approval Committee of the Ministry of Environment & A Forest in the Country.6.114 Asked farther if the Authority by agencies of a specified ordinancedefined bounds for usage of nutrient additives, harvests contaminations, pesticideresidues, residues of veterinary drugs, heavy metals, treating AIDSs, myco-toxinz, antibiotics and pharmacological active substances and irradiation ofnutrient, it was submitted that the bill of exchange Food Safety and Standards Regulations,2010 were print vide relation dated 20-10-2010 for ask foring publicremarks. Based on the remarks received, the Regulations are underprocedure of finalisation.( 1 ) The usage of nutrient additives and their bounds and irradiation of nutrientsare cover under Food Safety and Standards ( Food Merchandisescriterions and Food Additive ) Regulations, 2011.( 2 ) The definitions and bounds etc. of heavy metals, harvestcontaminations, myco-toxinz, pesticide residues and residue ofveterinary drugs, antibiotics are covered under separate ordinanceviz. Food Safety and Standards ( Contaminants, Toxins andResidues ) Regulations, 2011.( 3 ) The labelling of Irradiated Foods is given under Food Safety and Standards ( Packaging and Labelling ) Regulations, 2011.6.115 It was further submitted that the above Regulations are in line withbing Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955 which will be repealed209after the new ordinances are notified shortly. The Chapter on Processing Aids has non been prescribed currently and this will be considered by Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavouring, Processing Aids and substantial in Contact with Food before the bill of exchange Regulations in this respect are published for public remarks.6.11 6 About the Authority holding specified mechanisms and guidelines for accreditation of enfranchisement organic structures engaged in enfranchisement of nutrient safety direction systems for nutrient concerns, the Committee were told that the figure and capablenesss of regulative bureaus in the provinces, municipalities and panchayets are in brief unequal and it will take some clip for constructing up a strong cell of nutrient safety officers across the state. Keeping in position the accent placed by the Act on ego conformity, it is necessary for the Food Authority to set in topographic point elaborate counsel paperss on nutrient safety demands to be followed by nutrient concern operators. This will enable FBOs to greenback themselves against these demands and retain grounds of their due diligence in this respect.6.117 The Act specifies that the primary duty for safety is on thenutrient concern operators and for this, execution of appropriate nutrientsafety direction systems is ind ispensable for which the FBO can be heldaccountable. The FSSAI as a portion of its ordinances has developed mentionpaperss which prescribe and provide degrees of safety and supplyguidelines and norms which can at the same clip, be evaluated. FBOs arerequired to follow with these demands with whatever resourcesavailable and bit by bit achieve acceptable degrees of safety. In a sectorwhich is characterised by complex engineering, unorganized operations andbig figure of little participants, merely a flexible system of ego conformity, tobe periodically audited by the regulator, will be executable. The grade ofconformity can so be checked by periodic regulative review. It willbesides incentivise better safety patterns in industry, thereby cut downing thedemand for frequent reviews.6.118 The undermentioned bill of exchange paperss have been developed to back up the model through competent execution bureauRequirements for enfranchisement organic structures / Inspection Bodies210Procedure f or Recognition of Certification / Inspection Bodies by FSSAI and application signifierIndia HACCP criterions demands musical arrangement to be signed between recognized CBs/IBs and FSSAI Agreement between FSSAI and NABCBCertification standards for Food Safety Professional along with competency demands.Certification Process of Food Safety Professionals6.119 To a question of the Committee as to whether the process and theenforcement of quality control in relation to any article of nutrient imported intoIndia in general and of commodities/food merchandises derived from transgenicbeginnings has been specified by the Authority, it was stated that the followingModel for Safety of Imported Food has been laid down by FSSAIDemand for imported nutrient points has increased well in Indiaco-occuring with the impressive economic growing achieved by theState and concurrent alterations in the import ordinances since lastfew old ages. Imports into India are permitted to be made through 255 first a ppearance points. These include 82 imposts ports, 32 imposts airdromes,132 land imposts Stationss and 9 foreign station offices/sub-foreignstation offices. Harmonizing to Directorate general of CommercialIntelligence & A Statisticss ( DGCI & A S ) , Ministry of Commerce, informationIndia imported more than 76 hundred thousand MTs of nutrient points during 2007-08 and 2008-09.Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Authority has besides the authorization of guaranting safety of nutrient points imported into the state.Port Health Officers ( PHOs ) of Directorate General of HealthServicess ( DGHS ) who were executing the responsibility of taking samples ofimported nutrient points under subdivision 6 of PFA Act and acquiring tested inCardinal Food Laboratories ( CFLs ) or PFA labs in States hadwithdrawn from the services related imported nutrient safety at some of the ports.Keeping in position the authorization under FSS Act and based on thetreatment & A deliberations , it was realized that the FSSAI should acquire211into the procedure of imported nutrient clearance through assignment of Authorized Military officers in pursuit of subdivision 47 ( 5 ) of FSS Act, 2006 and take over the maps of PHOs where services had been withdrawn by DGHS.The FSSAI has operationalized the Food Import Clearance Processsince August-September, 2010 in a phased mode throughassignment of Authorized Officers in footings of subdivision 47 ( 5 ) of theFSS Act, 2006, at Chennai, Kolkata, Haldia, Mumbai and JNPThavens, Chennai International Airport, Mumbai InternationalAirport, Kolkata International Airport, Indira Gandhi InternationalAirport, New Delhi, CONCOR-ICD Tughlakabad, CWC-ICDPatparganj, ICD Faridabad/Ballabhgarh, ICD Dadri and ICD Loni inthe NCR part.The maps of the FSSAIaaa?s Authorized Officer inter alia include the bing maps of the Port Health Officer under the PFA Act, 1954 with regard to imported nutrient clearance procedure, in co-ordination with the Custom s governments.Adequate Numberss of NABL accredited research labs have been authorized at these locations for analysis of samples of imported nutrient points.MIS system to set import activities online has already beendeveloped and pilot tally has been started at Chennai w.e.f. 1st June,2011.Draft Food Import Regulations have besides been developed.Entire 29,756 Samples ( till 31st May, 2011 ) tested so far out which 152 were non-conforming.6.120 The FSSAI will besides develop informations base for hazard based nutrient clearance system in due class.