Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India. FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

History

The FSSAI was established in 2006 under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The main aim was to consolidate various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments. FSSAI was created for laying down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

Functions

The primary function of the FSSAI is to regulate and monitor the safety of food products in India, ensuring that they are safe for consumption. The authority:

• Lays down standards for food items
• Regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food
• Facilitates food safety.

Structure

The FSSAI is headed by a non-executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. The FSSAI's administrative hierarchy includes the Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and other officials.

Regulations

FSSAI has set regulations which include:

• FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011
• FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011
• FSS (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulation, 2011
• FSS (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulation, 2011
• FSS (Laboratory and Sampling Analysis) Regulation, 2011

These regulations are enforced by state-level authorities, with the FSSAI providing guidance, training, and technical support.

Challenges and Impact

The FSSAI faces numerous challenges, including the vast scale of food businesses in India, diverse food cultures, and the need for widespread consumer awareness about food safety standards. Despite these challenges, the FSSAI has made significant impacts in improving food safety standards in India.

See also

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Public health in India
• Food safety

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