What is Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Consolidation of Laws: Replaced eight existing food-related laws, creating a single, comprehensive statute for food safety and standards.
- 2.
Establishment of FSSAI: Mandated the creation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as the apex regulatory body for food safety.
- 3.
Definition of Food: Provides a broad and inclusive definition of 'food' to cover all substances intended for human consumption, including ingredients and processing aids.
- 4.
Food Safety Standards: Empowers FSSAI to formulate and enforce science-based standards for food products, covering aspects like labeling, additives, contaminants, and packaging.
- 5.
Licensing and Registration: Requires all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to obtain licenses or registrations from FSSAI to operate legally.
- 6.
Enforcement Mechanisms: Outlines the powers of Food Safety Officers, Designated Officers, and Food Commissioners for inspection, sampling, and prosecution of non-compliant FBOs.
- 7.
Penalties and Offences: Specifies penalties for various offenses, including misbranding, adulteration, and unsafe food practices, ranging from fines to imprisonment.
- 8.
Appellate Tribunals: Provides for the establishment of Food Safety Appellate Tribunals for speedy disposal of appeals against orders of adjudicating officers.
- 9.
Consumer Grievance Redressal: Facilitates consumer complaints and redressal mechanisms related to food safety issues.
- 10.
Import Regulations: Governs the import of food articles to ensure they meet Indian safety standards before entering the market.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Food Safety Regulations in India
Timeline showing the evolution of food safety regulations in India, leading up to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, was enacted to consolidate previous food laws and establish a science-based regulatory framework for food safety in India.
- 1954Prevention of Food Adulteration Act enacted to address food adulteration concerns.
- 2006Food Safety and Standards Act enacted, repealing the 1954 Act and establishing FSSAI.
- 2019FSSAI launches 'Trans Fat Free India' campaign, aiming to eliminate trans fats by 2022.
- 2020COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of food safety and hygiene; FSSAI issues guidelines.
- 2021FSSAI introduces Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018.
- 2022FSSAI issues regulations on Front of Pack Labeling (FOPL).
- 2023FSSAI launched the 'Eat Right Station' certification.
- 2024FSSAI strengthens surveillance and enforcement to combat food adulteration.
- 2026Adulterated milk claims four lives in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement.
Key Aspects of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Mind map illustrating the key aspects and provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- ●FSSAI Establishment
- ●Licensing & Registration
- ●Food Safety Standards
- ●Enforcement & Penalties
Recent Developments
4 developmentsAmendments and new regulations issued under the Act, such as the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020, to keep pace with evolving industry practices.
Increased focus on traceability and digitalization of food safety processes to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Debates around the implementation challenges and the need for further strengthening of enforcement mechanisms.
Introduction of specific regulations for novel foods, organic foods, and nutraceuticals under the ambit of the Act.