Who Regulates Food in India?

In India, food regulation and supervision of food standards is primarily overseen by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). The FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and serves as the central authority for ensuring food safety and regulation across the country. With its headquarters in New Delhi, the authority operates from four other regional offices located in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Still Wondering Who Regulates Food in India? This article will help you to know about Who Regulates Food in India?

Who Regulates Food in India?

FSSAI is the supreme authority responsible for promoting public health through several regulations, setting standards, regulating food products, and issuing licenses to food businesses. FSSAI certification and licenses are crucial for businesses engaged in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, and distribution, as they indicate compliance with established standards and regulations.

The FSS Act consolidates various older food laws such as the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, and several other orders dealing with food quality and standards. This unification aims to streamline food safety procedures and ensure a more efficient food regulatory environment.

Key Responsibilities of FSSAI

1. Setting Standards FSSAI sets scientifically based standards for food items to ensure they are safe for human consumption. These standards cover a broad range of food categories, including packaged food, street food, beverages, and raw materials.
2. Licensing and Registration All food business operators (FBOs) in India must be registered or licensed under FSSAI, depending on the scale of their operations. This system helps maintain traceability and accountability in the food supply chain.
3. Surveillance and Enforcement The authority conducts food safety audits, inspections, and sampling to detect any non-compliance. It also empowers state food safety departments to take action against violators.
4. Laboratory Testing FSSAI has a network of notified food testing laboratories across India to analyze food samples and verify their compliance with set standards.
5. Consumer Awareness and Education Through initiatives like the Eat Right India movement, FSSAI aims to promote healthy eating habits and food safety awareness among the public.

Besides FSSAI, certain commodities are also regulated by specialized bodies:

• Tea Board, Coffee Board, Spices Board, and Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) for their respective products.
• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for export-oriented regulations.

The FSSAI serves as the primary regulatory body responsible for maintaining food safety and quality in India, operating within a well-established legal framework. Obtaining FSSAI certification represents an important achievement for any food business, signifying its compliance with the highest food safety and quality standards. With FSSAI’s assistance, food businesses can play a role in promoting a healthier future.

To ensure all food-related compliance happens smoothly and timely, a food consultant can help a great deal. Food consulting companies can help you achieve all the necessary FSSAI certifications and licenses. Whether its maintaining dossier, minimising costs, ensuring proper laboratory testing, or having a strong hold on food safety audits and inspections, CliniExperts, a pioneer regulatory consulting firm specialising in food regulatory landscape can help smoothen the operations, ensuring a strong market presence.