FSSAI - UPSC

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stands as the apex body ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Its primary objective is to regulate and supervise the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food items, thereby safeguarding public health and ensuring consumer confidence in the food supply chain. With its comprehensive regulatory framework and stringent standards, the FSSAI plays a pivotal role in promoting food safety, hygiene, and nutrition across the nation.

Tags: GS—3,GS—2, Food Security- Government Policies & Interventions– Statutory BodiesFood Processing

Prelims: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Agricultural Marketing(AGMARK)

Mains: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Food and Nutrition insecurity, Streamline Food Safety Regulations

Table of Contents

Context:

In a recent gathering convened in New Delhi, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) endorsed several amendments geared towards streamlining food safety regulations and fostering a conducive environment for business operations.
FSSAI will issue a draft notification in this regard and will seek stakeholders’ comments before finalising the amendments.

Proposed Amendments in Food Safety and Standard Regulations:

Elimination of Multiple Certifications: Aim to remove the need for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Agricultural Marketing (AGMARK) certifications. Only FSSAI certification would be mandatory if finalised.
Facilitation of Ease of Doing Business: Align with ‘One Nation, One Commodity, One Regulator’ vision. Simplify regulations and administrative processes for food sector businesses.
Expansion of Standards: Establishment of standards for Mead (Honey wine) and Alcoholic Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Introduction of standards for ‘Haleem,’ a dish lacking defined quality parameters.

What is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
This Act consolidates various food-related laws, aiming to streamline regulations and establish a single reference point for food safety matters.
FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and is tasked with regulating and supervising food safety and quality nationwide.
With headquarters in New Delhi and regional offices in eight zones, FSSAI is led by a Chairperson, appointed by the central government, who holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

The 7 Key Processes that FSSAI Follows:

Set standards of food products
Develop safe food practices
Licence food businesses
Ensure compliance through inspections
Test food for standards
Train and build capacity
Citizens Outreach

Functions and Powers of FSSAI include:

Framing regulations and standards for food products and additives.
Granting licences and registrations to food businesses.
Enforcement of food safety laws and regulations.
Monitoring and surveillance of food safety and quality.
Conducting risk assessment and scientific research on food safety.
Providing training and awareness on food safety and hygiene.
Promoting food fortification and organic food.
Coordinating with other agencies and stakeholders on food safety.

The FSSAI Legislative Framework:

Highlights of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:

Establishment of a single reference point for food safety and standards.
Creation of FSSAI and State Food Safety Authorities.
Streamlining of control under a single line of command.

Highlights of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011:

Licensing and Registration provisions for food businesses.
Packaging and Labelling regulations.
Food Product Standards and Food Additives Regulation.
Prohibition and restriction on sales of Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients.
Regulation of Organic Food and Food Advertising.

The Structure of FSSAI:

The FSSAI consists of a Chairperson and twenty-two members, with one-third mandated to be women. The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government.
Scientific Committees and Panels assist in setting standards, while the Central Advisory Committee aids in coordination with enforcement agencies.
Enforcement primarily falls under the purview of State Food Safety Commissioners.

Challenges and Shortcomings Faced by FSSAI:

Exemption of “petty manufacturers, retailers, and hawkers” contributes to the unorganised food sector, preferred for its low prices.
Insufficient infrastructure with only 87 NABL-accredited labs against 1500 private labs.
Shortage of qualified manpower and functional testing equipment leads to deficient food sample testing.
Acute shortage of licensing and enforcement officers hampers food safety measures. FSSAI has been prescriptive but failed to ensure safety, quality, and hygiene in the food industry.
Only 377 products are mentioned in regulations compared to over 10,000 standards in other countries, and the list is irregularly reviewed.
Underfunding hampers monitoring efforts, and there are no standard practices for food inspection and Cumbersome approval procedures delay pre-launch approvals for products by over a year.
Imported food products often face clearance delays due to minor issues like labelling not conforming to FSSAI norms and Differences between FSSAI and the food processing ministry affect functioning.
FSSAI is yet to frame regulations and guidelines according to a CAG Report, with licences issued on incomplete documents in over 50% of checked cases.

Landmark cases are Associated with FSSAI?

Nestle India Limited Maggi Case: The maggi noodles were reported with excess lead unfit for human consumption and FSSAI prescribed for ban.
Cadbury India: It was reported that worms were found in Cadbury’s Dairy Milk. The FSSAI declared packaging was not proper or airtight and made it mandatory to change the packaging.

The initiatives of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are:

Heart Attack Rewind: This is FSSAI’s first mass media campaign aimed at eliminating trans fat in India by 2022. Its purpose is to raise awareness and support FSSAI’s target through public education and advocacy.
FSSAI-CHIFSS: A collaboration between FSSAI and the CII-HUL Initiative on Food Safety Sciences, this initiative promotes collaborations between industry, scientific community, and academia to advance food safety practices and standards.
State Food Safety Index (SFSI): FSSAI’s State Food Safety Index (SFSI) evaluates Indian states on five key food safety aspects: Human Resources, Compliance, Food Testing Infrastructure, Training & Capacity Building, and Consumer Empowerment. SFSI aims to drive improvements in food safety practices by encouraging state-level competition
Eat Right India Movement: This is a joint initiative of the Government of India and FSSAI aimed at transforming the country’s food system to ensure safe, healthy, and sustainable food for all Indians. Aligned with the National Health Policy 2017, this movement focuses on preventive and promotive healthcare, along with flagship programmes like Ayushman Bharat, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Eat Right Station Certification: FSSAI awards this certification to railway stations that adhere to benchmarks set by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, in providing safe and wholesome food to passengers. This initiative aims to ensure food safety standards are met in railway station food establishments.

The recommendations for the way forward for FSSAI include:

Expanding Responsibility: FSSAI should extend its oversight to cover all participants in the food supply chain, including manufacturers, for ensuring food safety. This would involve assessing food manufacturing, storage, and distribution processes comprehensively.
Draft Regulations on Food Recall Procedure: This will provide clear guidance to Food Business Organizations (FBOs) on how to handle food recalls effectively, enhancing the current regulatory system.
Surveys and Database Management: FSSAI and state food authorities should conduct surveys of food business activities within their jurisdictions to establish a comprehensive and reliable database of FBOs. This database would facilitate better enforcement and administration of the FSS Act by ensuring greater visibility and understanding of the food business landscape.
Enhanced Compensation and Infrastructure: There is a need to increase the limits of compensation and fines in cases of injury or death caused by food safety breaches. Additionally, providing adequate infrastructure such as food testing laboratories is crucial for timely and accurate food testing, contributing to overall food safety assurance.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): FSSAI should heed the recommendation from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the formulation and review of standards. Ensuring adherence to these SOPs will promote consistency and quality in the regulatory process, enhancing food safety standards in the near future.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question

Prelims

Q:1 Consider the following statements: (2018)

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Mains:

Q.1 Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (2021)

Source: (IE)

FAQs

Q: What is FSSAI?

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Its primary responsibility is to regulate and supervise food safety and standards in India.

Q: Why is FSSAI important?

FSSAI plays a crucial role in ensuring that the food available to consumers is safe, hygienic, and of good quality. It establishes scientific standards for food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. By enforcing these standards, FSSAI aims to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure public health.

Q: How does FSSAI ensure food safety?

FSSAI employs various mechanisms to ensure food safety, including setting standards for food products, licensing and registration of food businesses, conducting inspections and audits, promoting awareness and education about food safety, and enforcing regulations through penalties and prosecution when necessary. It also collaborates with other government agencies, food businesses, and stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

Q: Who needs to obtain an FSSAI license?

Any individual or entity involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, sale, import, or storage of food products in India needs to obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the scale and nature of their business. This includes food manufacturers, processors, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and importers.

Q: How can I check if a food product is FSSAI compliant?

Consumers can check if a food product is FSSAI compliant by looking for the FSSAI logo and license/registration number on its packaging. This information indicates that the product meets the standards set by FSSAI and has been produced by a licensed or registered food business. Additionally, consumers can use the FSSAI’s mobile app or website to verify the authenticity of the license/registration number.

In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.

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FSSAI – UPSC