The FSSAI is an acronym for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, after amalgamating various statutes (Acts & Orders) that had been in force in different Ministries and such departments for regulating food-related safety and regulation in India. FSSAI is the regulatory body for ensuring that safe and nutritious food is made available for human consumption, at all stages, by all those entities that are associated or involved with the processes of manufacturing, sale, storage, distribution and import of food articles in India.
FSSAI is under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and has been established to lay down scientific standards for the regulation of the processes of manufacturing, sale, storage, distribution and import of food articles for ensuring that safe and nutritious food is made available for human consumption, at all stages by all those entities that are associated or involved with these processes.
How was FSSAI Established?
With numerous Statutes & Orders there was a need to migrate from a multi-departmental and multi-level control to a single point of reference or control regarding all issues related to food safety and standards through the enactment of Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006. The said Act, in turn, established an autonomous Statutory Authority-FSSAI.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is headed by the Chairperson and CEO who is appointed by the Govt. of India and has its Head Office in New Delhi.
The Functions of FSSAI:
- Frame Regulations which lays down Standards and Guidelines regarding food articles and specify a suitable system to enforce different standards notified.
- Lay down guidelines and mechanisms for authorization of organizations (certification bodies) that are engaged in certification of Food Safety Management System for all establishments dealing in food businesses.
- To lay down methods and guidelines for laboratories accreditation and notify the list of accredited laboratories.
- To give technical support and scientific advice to both the Central Government and the State Governments. In the framing of policy and rules, that has a direct or indirect effect on food safety as well as nutrition.
- To collect and gather data related to food consumption, incidence and occurrence of biological hazard, toxins in food, the residue of different toxins and contaminants present in food products, identify risks arising and introduce the rapid alert system as a warning mechanism.
- To produce an information network through the length and breadth of the country for rapid dissemination of dependable and objective information concerning food safety and issues that are of worry, to all that are or may be affected, like the consumers, public in general, the Panchayats, etc.
- Train those persons involved or planning to be involved in any kind of food businesses.
- To contribute towards the advancement of international food standards, phytosanitary and sanitary standards.
- To propagate general awareness regarding food safety and food standards among all.
As a result of all these initiatives by FSSAI today, the consumers have become aware of the food quality as well as the hygiene to be maintained by all those in the food business. Some buyers look for FSSAI logo on the food product package before purchasing.
Further, all food items imported from other countries into India will have to meet the Food Standard and Safety that are laid down by FSSAI. GCC Filings is a great option if you need help with tasks like VAT registration and company incorporation in UAE along with addressing queries related to expanding your business into the UAE.