View source for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

{{short description|Statutory body in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox government agency
| parent_agency   = [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India)|Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India]]
| agency_name     = Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
| logo            = FSSAI logo.png
| logo_width      = 200px
| logo_caption    =
| type            = [[Regulatory authority]]
| formed          = {{start date|5 September 2008|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Enforcement of FSS Act|url=http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Press_Release(August%202011_08-08-2011).pdf|publisher=FSSAI|access-date=2 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118095146/http://fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Press_Release(August%202011_08-08-2011).pdf|archive-date=18 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| jurisdiction    = India
| headquarters    = [[New Delhi]]
| employees       =
| budget          =
| Ceo             =
| chief1_name     = Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava
| chief1_position = [[Chairperson]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Authority of FSSAI|url=https://fssai.gov.in/cms/food-authority.php}}</ref>
| chief2_name     = Ganji Kamala V. Rao
| chief2_position = [[Chief executive officer]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/ganji-kamala-v-rao-appointed-as-chief-executive-officer-at-fssai/|title= Ganji Kamala V Rao Appointed as Chief Executive Officer at FSSAI|date= 27 December 2022}}</ref>
| website         = {{URL|http://www.fssai.gov.in}}
}}
{{Food safety}}
The '''Food Safety and Standards Authority of India''' ('''FSSAI''') is a [[statutory body]] under the administration of the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India)|Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]], [[Government of India]]. It [[Regulatory agency|regulates]] the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles, while also establishing standards to ensure [[food safety]].<ref name="fssaiintro">{{cite web|title=Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)|url=http://www.fssai.gov.in/AboutFSSAI/introduction.aspx|publisher=Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Government of India|access-date=2 April 2012|archive-date=2 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402003222/http://www.fssai.gov.in/AboutFssai/Introduction.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> The FSSAI was established by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidated all former acts and orders related to food safety that were previously handled by various ministries and departments.<ref>[http://www.fssai.gov.in/dam/jcr:7f9fb43a-095c-4384-a0d8-be24f66ce7a3/FOOD-ACT.pdf Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006]</ref><ref name=fssaiintro />
The FSSAI has its headquarters at [[New Delhi]]. The authority also has four regional offices located in [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Kolkata]], and [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Regional Laboratories|url=http://www.fssai.gov.in/reasional_ofice.aspx|publisher=FSSAI|access-date=2 April 2012|archive-date=4 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404183736/http://www.fssai.gov.in/reasional_ofice.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> There are 22 referral laboratories notified by FSSAI, 72 State/UT laboratories located throughout India and 112 laboratories are [[National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories|NABL]] accredited private laboratories notified by FSSAI.<ref>{{cite web|title=Referral Laboratories|url=http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/referral_laboratory(15-02-2012).pdf|publisher=FSSAI|access-date=2 April 2012|archive-date=24 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424122557/http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/referral_laboratory(15-02-2012).pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=List of Laboratories|url=http://www.fssai.gov.in/lab.aspx|publisher=FSSAI|access-date=2 April 2012|archive-date=4 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404181227/http://www.fssai.gov.in/lab.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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]].<ref>Section 5(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.</ref> '''Shri Apurva Chandra''' is the current chairperson for FSSAI and Ganji Kamala V. Rao is the current chief executive officer for FSSAI.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ganji Kamala V Rao Appointed as Chief Executive Officer at FSSAI |date=27 December 2022 |url=https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/ganji-kamala-v-rao-appointed-as-chief-executive-officer-at-fssai/}}</ref> The FSSAI provisions are enforced by Food Safety Officers.
In 2021, with the aim of benefitting industries involved in manufacturing, handling, packaging and selling of food items, FSSAI decided to grant perpetual licenses to restaurants and food manufacturers on the condition that they file their returns every year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=HospiBiz|title=Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to grant perpetual licenses to restaurants {{!}} HOSPIBIZ|date=3 April 2021|url=https://hospibiz.com/fssai-to-grant-perpetual-licences-to-food-restaurants/|access-date=2021-04-06|language=en-US|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618003356/https://hospibiz.com/fssai-to-grant-perpetual-licences-to-food-restaurants/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India License or Registration is required for any food business in India that manufactures, stores, transports, or distributes food. Depending on the size and nature of the company, FSSAI registration or license may be required.
==History==
FSSAI was established on 5 September 2008 under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which was operationalized in year 2006. The FSSAI consists of a chairperson and 22 members. The FSSAI is responsible for setting standards for food so that there is one body to deal with and no confusion in the minds of consumers, traders, manufacturers, and investors.<ref name="fssaifaqs">{{cite web|url=http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/FAQ.pdf|title=FAQ's on FSSA 2006|publisher=Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Government of India|access-date=10 October 2016|archive-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407140226/http://fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/FAQ.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/fssai-calls-for-eoi-for-nomination-of-a-scientific-committee-and-panels-38921|title=FSSAI calls for EoI for nomination of a scientific committee and panels|date=7 May 2016|publisher=FnBnews.com}}</ref> [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India]] is the Administrative Ministry of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/fssai-to-formulate-new-policies-for-food-safety/1/599086.html|title=FSSAI to formulate new policies for food safety|date=18 February 2016|publisher=IndiaToday}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://mohfw.nic.in/index3.php?lang=1&level=0&deptid=75|title=Drug & Food Division(FSSAI/CDSCO)|publisher=Ministry of Health & Family Welfare}}</ref> The following are the statutory powers that the FSS Act, 2006 gives to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=http://www.swaniti.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Food-safety-in-India-1.pdf|title=Food safety in India - Regulatory framework and challenges|publisher=swaniti.in|access-date=10 October 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010223345/http://www.swaniti.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Food-safety-in-India-1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
# Framing of regulations to lay down food safety standards
# Laying down guidelines for accreditation of laboratories for food testing
# Providing scientific advice and technical support to the Central Government
# Contributing to the development of international technical standards in food
# Collecting and collating data regarding food consumption, contamination, emerging risks, etc.
# Disseminating information and promoting awareness about food safety and nutrition in India.
==Location==
FSSAI is located in 4 regions <ref>{{Cite web |title=List of Regional Directors |url=https://fssai.gov.in/cms/regionaldirectors.php |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=fssai.gov.in}}</ref>
# Northern Region – With regional office at [[Ghaziabad]].
# Eastern Region - With regional office at [[Kolkata]]
# Western region - With regional office at [[Mumbai]]
# Southern Region - With regional office at [[Chennai]]
==Regulatory framework==
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a statutory body under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS), 2006 is the primary law for the regulation of food products. This act also sets up the formulation and enforcement of food safety standards in India. The FSSAI appoints food safety authorities on the state level.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ministry of Law and Justice|url=http://www.fssai.gov.in/portals/0/pdf/food-act.pdf|publisher=FSSAI|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205616/http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/FOOD-ACT.pdf|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The FSSAI functions under the administrative control of the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]].<ref>{{cite web|title=FSSAI to formulate new policies for food safety|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/fssai-to-formulate-new-policies-for-food-safety/1/599086.html|publisher=India Today|date=8 February 2016}}</ref> The main aim of FSSAI is to
# Lay down science-based standards for articles on food
# To regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, import, and sale of food
# To facilitate the safety of food
The FSS Act is a bucket for all the older laws, rules and regulations for food safety. The FSS Act took 7 older acts into one umbrella.
# [http://lawmin.nic.in/ld/P-ACT/1954/A1954-37.pdf Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215080611/http://lawmin.nic.in/ld/P-ACT/1954/A1954-37.pdf |date=15 December 2017 }} <ref>{{cite web|title=The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/32969400/|publisher=India Kanoon}}</ref>
# [http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/fpoact.pdf Fruit Products Order, 1955] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206074206/http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/fpoact.pdf |date=6 February 2018 }} <ref>{{cite web|title=Fruit Products Order, I 955|url=http://www.consumeradvice.in/Regulations/fruitaidacts.pdf|publisher=Consumer Advice|date=8 February 2016}}</ref>
# Meat Food Products Order, 1973 <ref>{{cite web|title=Meat Food Products Order, 1973|url=http://agmarknet.nic.in/order1973.htm|publisher=agmarknet.nic.in|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202000812/http://agmarknet.nic.in/order1973.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
# [http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/vegetableoils.pdf Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127213311/http://old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/vegetableoils.pdf |date=27 January 2018 }}
# [http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Edible%20Oil%20Packaging.pdf Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order 1998] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206075148/http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Edible%20Oil%20Packaging.pdf |date=6 February 2018 }} <ref>{{cite web|title=The Vegetable Oil Products (Regulation) Order – 1998|url=http://www.crirec.com/2011/01/the-vegetable-oil-products-regulation-order-1998/|publisher=Crirec|date=17 January 2011|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012151625/http://www.crirec.com/2011/01/the-vegetable-oil-products-regulation-order-1998/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
# [http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/solvent_Extracted.pdf Solvent Extracted Oil, De- Oiled Meal and Edible Flour (Control) Order, 1967] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206073548/http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/solvent_Extracted.pdf |date=6 February 2018 }} <ref>{{cite web|title=The Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order, 1998|url=http://admis.hp.nic.in/ehimapurti/edib1998.htm|publisher=Crirec|date=17 January 2011|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-date=30 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530104733/http://admis.hp.nic.in/ehimapurti/edib1998.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
# [http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/mmpo.pdf Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206073558/http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/mmpo.pdf |date=6 February 2018 }}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Milk and Milk Product Order 1992|url=http://dahd.nic.in/related-links/milk-and-milk-product-order-1992|publisher=Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries}}</ref>
Departments<ref>{{cite web | url=https://fssai.gov.in/cms/internal-administration.php | title=FSSAI }}</ref>
# SCIENCE & STANDARDS DIVISION (I & II)
# REGULATIONS DIVISION
# QUALITY ASSURANCE DIVISION (I & II)
# REGULATORY COMPLIANCE DIVISION
# HUMAN RESOURCE & FINANCE DIVISION
# GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY COORDINATION DIVISION
# INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
# SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE DIVISION
# TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION DIVISION
# TRAINING DIVISION
# RAJBHASHA
==Research and quality assurance==
===Research===
FSSAI has set certain guidelines for food safety research. The Research and Development division is responsible for research with the following objectives:
# Generate new knowledge that would help in continuously updating and upgrading food safety standards that are compatible with international organizations
# Carry out evidence-based studies for improving or building Rules and regulations.
===Quality Assurance===
FSSAI has been mandated to perform various functions related to the quality and standards of food and drinks
. These functions in addition to others include "Laying down procedure and guidelines for notification of the accredited laboratories as per ISO17025."<ref>{{cite web|title=Addresses and contact details of NABL accredited food testing laboratories for analysis of food sample taken under FSS Regulation-for 1 Year|url=http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Notified_LAB_LIST_Region_wise(23-05-2012).pdf|publisher=fssai.gov.in|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044300/http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Notified_LAB_LIST_Region_wise(23-05-2012).pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The FSSAI notified laboratories that are classified as:
# FSSAI Notified [[National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories|NABL]] Accredited Labs - 112 <ref>{{cite web|title=FSSAI Notified NABL Accredited Food Testing Laboratories|url=https://fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2021/12/61c1565c0a23bOrder_Validity_Labs_21_12_2021.pdf}}</ref>
# State Labs - 72
# Referral Labs - 22 <ref>{{cite web|title=Food Safety and Standard Authority of India - Order|url=https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/List_Referral_Laboratories_22_02_2021.pdf}}</ref>
==Standards==
Standards framed by FSSAI are prescribed under Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011, Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation, 2011 and Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, [[Toxins]], and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
The FSSAI has prescribed standards for the following:
* [[Dairy products]] and analogues <ref>{{cite web |title=Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao |url=https://fssai.gov.in/cms/directory.php}}</ref>
* Fats, [[oils]] and fat emulsions
* [[Fruits]] and vegetable products
* [[Cereal]] and cereal products
* Meat and meat products
* [[Fish]] and fish products
* Sweets & confectionery
* Sweetening agents including honey
* [[Salt]], [[spices]], condiments and related products
* [[Beverages]], (other than dairy and fruits & vegetables based)
* Other food product and ingredients
* Proprietary food
* Irradiation of food
* Fortification of staple foods i.e. vegetable oil, milk, salt, rice and wheat flour/maida<ref>{{cite web |author=FSSAI |url=https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Gazette_Notification/Gazette_Notification_Pulses_Grains_Maize_14_08_2018.pdf|title=Fortification of staple foods}}</ref>
The development of standards is a dynamic process based on the latest developments in [[food science]], food consumption pattern, new food products, and additives, changes in the processing technology leading to changed specifications, advancements in food analytical methods, and identification of new risks or other regulatory options.
Formulation of standards of any article of food under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, involves several stages. After consideration by the Food Authority, the draft standard is published (Draft notified), for inviting stakeholder comments. Since India is a signatory to the WTO-SPS Committee, Draft Standard is also notified in WTO. Thereafter, taking into account the comments received from the stakeholders, the Standard is finalized and notified in the Gazette of India, and implemented.<ref>{{cite web|title=FSSAI appoints new members for scientific panels|url=http://www.nuffoodsspectrum.in/inner_view_single_details.php?page=&content_type=panel&vrtcl_panel_nm=People&ele_id=NOR_54ddc493c6fb54.77406831|publisher=Nuffoods Spectrum|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-date=21 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321094656/http://www.nuffoodsspectrum.in/inner_view_single_details.php?page=&content_type=panel&vrtcl_panel_nm=People&ele_id=NOR_54ddc493c6fb54.77406831|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Enforcement==
Food Safety Officers are responsible for enforcing and executing the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 within their designated areas. The Commissioner of Food Safety and Designated Officer have the authority to exercise the same powers as Food Safety Officers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Section 29. Authorities responsible for enforcement of Act|url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_39_65_00002_200634_1517807326101&orderno=29 |publisher=Indiacode.nic.in |access-date=19 November 2023}}</ref>
Food Safety Officers possess the right to enter and inspect any place where food articles are manufactured, stored, or exhibited for commercial purposes. They are authorized to collect samples for analysis by a Food Analyst. The authority of a Food Safety Officer to enter and inspect premises is equal to that of a police officer equipped with a [[search warrant]] under the [[Code of Criminal Procedure (India)|Code of Criminal Procedure]] (CrPC).<ref>{{cite web |title=Section 38. Powers of Food Safety Officer|url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_39_65_00002_200634_1517807326101&orderno=38 |publisher=Indiacode.nic.in |access-date=19 November 2023}}</ref> They can issue registrations to food business operators.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chapter 4 - Food Safety Officer |url=https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Chapter4.pdf |publisher=[[FSSAI]] |access-date=19 November 2023}}</ref>
==Consumer outreach==
Consumers can connect to FSSAI through various channels. A GAMA portal for concerns regarding misleading claims and advertisements too is operated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grievances Against Misleading Advertisements|url=http://gama.gov.in/Default.aspx|publisher=gama.gov.in}}</ref>
==Applicable FSSAI License==
FSSAI issues three types of license based on the nature of the food business and turnover:
*Registration: For Turnover less than ₹12 Lakh
*State License: For Turnover between ₹12 Lakh to ₹20 Crore
*Central License: For Turnover above ₹20 Crore
Other criteria like the location of the business, number of retail stores, etc. are needed while evaluating the nature of the license application.
==Projects==
In 2009 the FSSAI instigated a pilot project ''Safe Food, Tasty Food'' to improve the safety and quality of food being served at restaurants and other outlets, implementing agencies being local municipal authorities and industry associations (FICCI, CII, AIFPA and [[National Restaurant Association of India|NRAI]]).<ref>{{cite web|date=2009|title=Pilot Project on: Safe Food, Tasty Food|url=https://qcin.org/PDF/TFSF/safe-food-scheme1.pdf|access-date=2021-04-29|archive-date=4 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304001050/https://qcin.org/PDF/TFSF/safe-food-scheme1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===State Food Safety Index (SFSI)===
The State Food Safety Index (SFSI), was developed in 2018 in collaboration with the FSSAI. The SFSI was created to motivate the States and Union Territories to improve their performance and work towards establishing an appropriate food safety ecosystem.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fssai.gov.in/cms/foodsafetyindex.php |title= State Food Safety Index |publisher=[[FSSAI]]}}</ref>
==Reception==
According to a survey conducted over 24,000 people across 293 districts of India, 73% of the 12,308 responses indicated little to no confidence in the effectiveness of agencies such as FSSAI and state food regulators in ensuring food safety.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-25 |title=72% Indians concerned about spices they consume, express low or no confidence on food regulators like FSSAI |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/72-indians-concerned-about-spices-they-consume-express-low-or-no-confidence-on-food-regulators-like-fssai-426821-2024-04-25 |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Business Today |language=hi}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad]]
* [[Food and Drug Administration]]
* [[European Food Safety Authority]]
* [[Health effects of pesticides]]
* [[Pesticide poisoning]]
* [[Pesticide residue]]
* [[Environmental impact of pesticides]]
* [[Pesticide regulation in the United States]]
* [[Regulation of pesticides in the European Union]]
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
<!--NO LINKS TO COMMERCIAL WEBSITES AND BLOGS-->
*{{Official website|http://www.fssai.gov.in}}
*[http://fssai.gov.in/home/fss-legislation/food-safety-and-standards-act.html Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006]
*https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
{{authority control}}
*
[[Category:Food safety organizations]]
[[Category:Government agencies of India]]
[[Category:Consumer protection in India]]
[[Category:Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]]
[[Category:Food and drink in India]]
[[Category:Food processing industry in India]]
[[Category:Regulatory agencies of India]]