FSSAI
Mandate, Structure, and Powers under FSS Act 2006
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, which consolidated and replaced eight earlier food safety statutes previously administered across multiple ministries. The Act came into force in August 2011.
- Establishment: FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Legal basis: FSS Act, 2006 — consolidates the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (1954), Fruit Products Order (1955), Meat Food Products Order (1973), and five other laws.
- Composition: Chairperson (Secretary-level IAS officer), CEO, and a multi-stakeholder board including representatives from ministries, food industry, consumer organizations, and scientists.
- Primary functions: Setting science-based standards for food safety; regulating manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food; accrediting food testing labs; training Food Safety Officers; managing consumer awareness.
- Licensing architecture: Three-tier system — FSSAI Central License (for manufacturers with turnover >Rs. 20 crore, importers, exporters), State License (turnover Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 crore), and Registration (turnover <Rs. 12 lakh or petty food businesses).
- FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System): FSSAI's online portal for licensing, registration, and compliance — replaced the earlier FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System).
- Food Safety Officers have powers to enter and inspect premises, collect samples for analysis, seize non-conforming food, and initiate prosecution.
- Adjudicating Officers can impose penalties up to Rs. 10 lakh for various contraventions; courts can impose imprisonment for serious offences.
● Tracked since February 26, 2026 · last seen June 19, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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