Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the statutory authority responsible for regulating and supervising food safety in India. Its core mandate under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is to prescribe science-based food standards and regulate food-related activities so that consumers receive safe and wholesome food.

Statutory basis and objective

FSSAI is established under Section 4 of the Act and functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Act consolidates the legal framework for food safety and seeks to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

Core regulatory mandate

Under Section 16, FSSAI must regulate and monitor the manufacture, processing, distribution, sale and import of food. Its responsibilities extend across the food chain rather than being confined to inspection of finished products.

• It frames science-based standards for food articles and specifies limits for additives, contaminants, pesticide residues and other safety parameters.
• It supports food-business regulation through standards governing licensing, registration, packaging and labelling.
• It lays down guidelines for the accreditation of certification bodies and food-testing laboratories.
• It provides scientific advice and technical support to the Union and state governments on food-safety policy and risk management.

Surveillance, coordination and public protection

FSSAI combines standard-setting with monitoring, scientific assessment and communication. Enforcement of the Act operates through both central and state food-safety authorities, including designated officers and food-safety officers.

• It collects and analyses information on food consumption, contamination, emerging risks and food-safety incidents.
• It promotes training for persons involved in food businesses and food-safety enforcement.
• It communicates reliable information on food safety and supports consumer awareness.
• It contributes to the development of international food standards while considering Indian conditions and consumer protection.