FSSAI’s Role in Ensuring Food Safety
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken significant action following the registration of 533 food and beverage-related complaints in India’s consumer commissions over the past two years. These complaints highlight issues related to substandard, misbranded, or unsafe food products, prompting the FSSAI to strengthen its monitoring and enforcement efforts.
Provisions Under the Food Safety and Standards Act
FSSAI, established in 2008, operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, which mandates the regulation of food manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. The Act includes strict provisions for penalizing the manufacturers of substandard and unsafe food. As part of its regular duties, FSSAI conducts surveillance, monitoring, inspections, and random sampling of food products, including critical items like milk, milk products, and baby food. If non-conforming food products are found, penal actions are initiated against the defaulting food business operators.
Introduction of Mobile Food Testing Labs
To further enhance food safety monitoring, FSSAI has introduced mobile food testing labs, known as Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs). These labs enable swift on-site testing, ensuring the quick identification of any food safety violations.
Consumer Protection and Legal Framework
In addition to FSSAI’s regulatory actions, Sections 90 and 91 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, outline penalties for those manufacturing, storing, or selling adulterated or spurious goods, including imprisonment or fines, depending on the severity of the consumer injury.
