Agri Books

About FSSAI

The FSSAI stand for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006, which repealed the earlier laws governing food safety in India.

The FSSAI is responsible for laying down science-based standards for food products and also regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. It also conducts inspections and testing of food products to ensure compliance with the set standards. Additionally, the FSSAI also issues licenses and registration to food business operators and also handles food safety-related complaints and grievances.

FSSAI is located in 5 regions
• Northern Region – With head office in New Delhi
• Eastern Region
• North Eastern Region
• Western region
• Southern Region

Food Safety and Standards Act 2006

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI) is an act passed by the Indian government that aims to regulate and supervise the food industry in India. The Act established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is responsible for laying down science-based standards for food items and ensuring their compliance. The Act also provides for the creation of a framework for the regulation of food businesses, including registration, licensing, and monitoring of food companies.

Prior to the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006, various regulations were in place to oversee food safety and quality in India, including the

• Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947
• Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954
• Fruit Products Order, 1955
• Meat Food Products Order, 1973

However, with the passage of the Food Safety and Standards Act, these laws were consolidated and superseded by the FSSAI, which serves as the central regulatory body for food safety in the country.

Food Safety and Standards Rule 2011

The Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011 are a set of regulations implemented by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. These rules set out the standards for food products, including those related to packaging and labelling, food additives, contaminants, and hygiene.

Functions of FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has several key functions, including:

1. Setting food safety and standards: FSSAI is responsible for setting and enforcing food safety and standards in India, in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
2. Licensing and registration: FSSAI issues licenses and registers food business operators, ensuring that they comply with food safety and hygiene regulations.
3. Monitoring and enforcement: FSSAI monitors food products and takes action against violators of food safety laws, such as imposing fines or shutting down operations.
4. Risk assessment and management: FSSAI assesses and manages food safety risks, and takes appropriate measures to mitigate them.
5. Research and capacity building: FSSAI conducts research on food safety and nutrition and builds capacity within the food industry by providing training and education.
6. Consumer education: FSSAI also educates consumers about food safety and nutrition, and encourages them to make informed choices about the food they consume.
7. Coordination with other agencies: FSSAI coordinates with other government agencies and international organizations to ensure that food safety standards are aligned and that India is in compliance with international food safety regulations.

Initiatives by FSSAI

1. Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF) Campaign: This initiative aims to create awareness about safe and nutritious food among citizens and to promote the consumption of safe and nutritious food.
2. Eat Right India Movement: This initiative focuses on promoting healthy and sustainable food choices and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
3. Food Safety Mitra (FSM) Scheme: This scheme aims to provide support and assistance to food businesses in meeting food safety compliance requirements.
4. Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) Program: This program aims to train food handlers and supervisors to meet food safety standards and regulations.
5. Eat Right School: This initiative focuses on promoting healthy eating habits among schoolchildren and creating a culture of safe and nutritious food in schools.
6. Eat Right College: This initiative focuses on promoting healthy eating habits among college students and creating a culture of safe and nutritious food in colleges.
7. Eat Right Workplace: This initiative focuses on promoting healthy eating habits among employees and creating a culture of safe and nutritious food in workplaces.
8. Eat Right Mela: This initiative is to promote safe and nutritious food and to create awareness about food safety and nutrition among citizens.

In conclusion, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is critical in ensuring the safety and quality of food in India. The FSSAI regulates the food industry and protects consumers’ health and well-being through its various initiatives and functions. The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards Rules of 2011 have contributed to the consolidation and strengthening of food safety regulations in India. Safe and Nutritious Food Campaign, Eat Right India Movement, Food Safety Mitra Scheme, and other FSSAI initiatives aim to promote healthy and sustainable food choices, educate consumers and food businesses, and build capacity within the food industry.

Related Posts

Good Laboratory Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices

HACCP and the Seven Principles

National Codex Contact Point (NCCP)