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Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is the apex food regulatory body in India, responsible for laying down science-based standards for food articles and regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure safe and wholesome food for consumers.

Key details
  • Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954)
  • Headquartered in New Delhi; chaired by a non-executive chairman; administered by a CEO
  • Penalties under FSS Act: for adulteration injurious to health — imprisonment of 1 to 6 years and fine up to Rs 2 lakh; if adulteration causes grievous injury or death, punishment extends to life imprisonment
  • Food Safety Officers have powers to enter, inspect, and collect samples from premises; samples are tested by accredited Food Analysts
  • FSSAI sets Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and prohibits use of industrial chemicals like ethylene glycol in food
In the news

Tracked since March 13, 2026 · last seen June 13, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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