- Establishment: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Ministry: It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Nature: It is a statutory body responsible for regulating and supervising food safety in India.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Objective: To ensure the availability of safe, wholesome and nutritious food for human consumption.
- Functions:
- Frames science-based food standards.
- Regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food.
- Grants FSSAI licences and registrations to Food Business Operators (FBOs).
- Conducts food surveillance, sampling, testing and risk assessment.
- Promotes consumer awareness on food safety and hygiene.
- Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS): Online platform for licensing, registration and compliance of food businesses.
- Eat Right India Movement: Launched by FSSAI in 2018 to promote safe, healthy and sustainable diets.
- State Food Safety Commissioners: Responsible for enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act at the State level.
UPSC Prelims Question (English)
Q. With reference to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), consider the following statements:
- FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- It is responsible for regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Statement 2: Correct. It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Statement 3: Correct. FSSAI regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food to ensure food safety across the country.
