As a consumer, particularly for food items, attractive packaging and discounted rates play a huge role in decision making. However, there is another important aspect which should be our priority, that is food safety. Whether the food items are safe for consumption, or may be an invitation to a huge Hospital Bill, should be our major concern. This headache has been taken care of by the Food Safety and Standards Act which established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India – FSSAI. Here is a brief understanding of the FSSAI Law, and Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 notes for a better understanding.
Purpose of FSSAI Law
What we eat makes us who we become. This is not just about a healthy body but a healthy soul as well. Our lifestyle and food habits hold utmost importance in this era. That is why legal backing is necessary to safeguard our food. The major aim behind legislating the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 was to consolidate the pre-existing multiple laws relating to food. It further aimed at establishing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Salient Features of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006
- The Act ensures single life of control for food safety.
- The FSS Act ensures uniform licensing process.
- It seeks to decentralize food product licensing to empower the States.
- The FSSAI further regulates the food import in India.
- For the purpose of surveillance over food safety and standards, the Act envisages a network of food laboratories.
- It further includes penalties in case of non-compliance by Food Businesses.
What is FSSAI?
As mentioned earlier, the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 seeks to establish an authority. The said authority, known as FSSAI, seeks to lay science based standards for articles of food. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India further regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food, and to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. Section 4 of the FSSA Act 2006 lays about the establishment of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
The FSSAI consists of a Chairperson and 22 members. 1/3rd of the said members should be women. The said members include representatives from food industry, consumer organisations, farmers’ organisations, eminent food technologists or scientists, etc. The Food Safety and Standards Act further states about the Selection Committee for appointment of FSSAI Chairperson and members, term of Office, salary, allowances, and their removal from service.
Powers and Functions of FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body responsible for ensuring food safety and regulation in India. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidates various laws related to food safety and hygiene.
1. Framing Regulations and Standards for Safe Food
- FSSAI formulates and notifies standards for food articles to ensure safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
- It lays down limits for food additives, contaminants, pesticides, heavy metals, etc.
- It further prescribes labeling, packaging, and hygiene requirements for food businesses.
2. Licensing and Registration
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India grants licenses and registrations to the Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India.
- It ensures compliance with safety norms through periodic inspections and audits.
3. Scientific Risk Assessment and Research
- FSSAI conducts scientific research and risk assessments related to food safety.
- It establishes panels and committees of scientific experts to advise on food standards.
- Collects and analyzes data related to food consumption patterns, contaminants, and emerging risks.
4. Surveillance and Monitoring
- The Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 requires the Authority to undertake food safety surveillance and monitor food safety incidents.
- FSSAI collects samples of food items and ensures laboratory testing.
- It initiates recall of unsafe food products from the market.
5. Promotion of Public Awareness
- FSSAI is further responsible for spreading awareness about food safety, nutrition, and healthy diets.
- Campaigns like “Eat Right India” are FSSAI initiatives to promote healthy food choices.
6. Coordination with Other Agencies
- FSSAI coordinates with state food authorities, laboratories, and international agencies.
- It further ensures harmonization of Indian food standards with the global standards .
7. Advisory Role
- The Food and Safety Authority of India advises the Central and State Governments on policy matters related to food safety.
- It extends technical support for policymaking and enforcement for the governments.
8. Training and Capacity Building
- Time and again, the FSSAI organizes training programs for food safety officers, food businesses, and other stakeholders. As part of the same, the authority also develops educational material and promotes best practices for food safety compliance.
9. Grievance Redressal
- FSSAI addresses consumer complaints related to food quality and safety here.
