This is the primary regulatory body in India, responsible for ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food products.
It sets standards for food and regulates its manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure safe consumption.
The FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Objective:
To regulate and monitor the safety and quality of food products across India.
To set science-based standards for food products to ensure safety and uniformity.
To facilitate food safety awareness programs for consumers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders.
To coordinate with international food safety networks to adopt best practices and standards.
Functions:
1. Standard Setting:
Develops comprehensive standards for food products, ingredients, and additives.
Ensures these standards are based on scientific evidence to guarantee safety and quality.
2. Regulation of Manufacturing and Distribution:
Regulates the manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, and import of food products.
Grants licenses to food businesses and ensures they comply with safety standards.
3. Risk Assessment and Management:
Conducts risk assessments to evaluate food safety risks.
Identifies potential hazards within the food supply chain to manage them effectively.
4. Food Testing and Compliance:
Manages a network of food testing laboratories to check if food products meet the established standards.
Accredits private laboratories for food testing to enhance the testing network.
5. Training and Capacity Building:
Organizes training programs for food businesses and enforcement agencies.
Aims to build capacity in understanding and implementing food safety and standards.
6. Consumer Outreach:
Engages in consumer education and awareness to inform the public about food safety and healthy practices.