What is the full form of FSSAI

FSSAI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The organization belongs to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Its role is to monitor, inspect and regulate the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sales and import of food articles to ensure availability of safe and healthy food for human consumption.

FSSAI is established under the Food and Safety Act, 2006. It is headquartered in New Delhi, India. It has eight regional offices in Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Cochin and Chennai. The agency also has 4 referral and 72 local food testing laboratories to test the adulterated foods.

The organization has the authority to conduct chemical tests on the food products of different companies. It also takes action against the companies who are not maintaining the required nutrition and quality in their food products. For example, ban on Maggi noodles by FSSAI.

FSSAI is authorized to issue licenses to Food Business Operators who adhere to its policies and guidelines. This license is now mandatory for everyone who is into a food business such as food manufacturer, food trader and restaurant owner.

Key functions of FSSAI

• Framing of regulations to lay down standards for food safety
• Issuing guidelines for accreditation of food testing laboratories
• To provide technical support and scientific advice to the Central Government
• Conducting survey to collect data regarding food consumption and food contamination
• Disseminate information to promote awareness about food safety