Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Ensuring Safe & Healthy Food for India

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The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) is a comprehensive law enacted in India to regulate food safety, ensuring that food products meet scientific safety standards to protect consumer health. The Act replaces multiple food laws and brings all food-related regulations under a single authority—Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Key Features of the FSS Act, 2006

1. Establishment of FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was set up under this Act to regulate food safety.
It sets standards for manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food.
Example: FSSAI has set the limit for artificial sweeteners like aspartame in soft drinks to ensure safety.

2. Consolidation of Previous Food Laws

Before 2006, food regulation was governed by multiple laws such as:
- Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954
- Fruit Products Order, 1955
- Meat Food Products Order, 1973
- Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992
The FSS Act replaces these and provides a uniform framework.
Example: Earlier, milk quality was checked under Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992, but now FSSAI regulates all dairy products.

3. Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses

Every food business operator (FBO) must obtain a license or registration from FSSAI.
It applies to restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, storage units, transporters, and importers.
Types of licenses:
- FSSAI Registration – For small businesses (Annual turnover < ₹12 lakh)
- State License – For medium-scale businesses (₹12 lakh–₹20 crore turnover)
- Central License – For large businesses (Turnover > ₹20 crore, export/import involved)
Example: A street food vendor needs basic registration, while a large food processing unit like Nestlé requires a Central License.

4. Food Safety Standards and Regulations

FSSAI defines standards for:
- Edible oils, milk, dairy, meat, grains, beverages, etc.
- Food additives, preservatives, artificial sweeteners
- Packaging and labeling regulations
Example: Packaged drinking water must meet IS 14543 standards under FSSAI.

5. Prohibition on Food Adulteration

Strict prohibition on selling adulterated, unsafe, or misbranded food.
Food should not contain harmful pesticides, toxic chemicals, or non-permitted additives.
Penalty for Adulteration:
- Substandard food – ₹5 lakh fine
- Misbranded food – ₹3 lakh fine
- Containing toxic substances – ₹10 lakh fine or life imprisonment (in extreme cases)
Example: Selling milk mixed with detergent is an offense under this Act.

6. Food Recall and Consumer Protection

If food is found to be unsafe, FSSAI can issue recalls to remove it from the market.
Consumers can report food safety violations through the FSSAI Complaint Portal.
Example: Nestlé’s Maggi noodles were recalled in 2015 due to excess lead content.

7. Role of Food Safety Officers (FSO) and Authorities

FSOs conduct inspections, take samples, and ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations.
If violations occur, they can issue:
- Improvement notices
- Suspension/cancellation of licenses
- Penalties or legal action
Example: A bakery selling expired cakes may face a fine or license suspension.

8. Penalties and Offenses

Offense	Penalty
Selling substandard food	Up to ₹5 lakh fine
Misbranded food products	Up to ₹3 lakh fine
Containing toxic substances	Up to ₹10 lakh fine
Death due to unsafe food	Life imprisonment + ₹10 lakh fine
Failure to comply with FSO orders	₹2 lakh fine

Example: A soft drink company adding excessive caffeine beyond FSSAI limits can be fined ₹10 lakh.

FSSAI Organizational Structure

Standards: Set food quality and safety guidelines
Licensing: Issues food business licenses
Surveillance: Conducts sample testing and quality checks
Enforcement: Ensures compliance and penalizes violators
Consumer Protection: Addresses complaints and recalls unsafe food

Short Summary

FSS Act, 2006 ensures food safety and replaces old food laws.
FSSAI regulates all food businesses in India.
Licensing is mandatory for manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, and importers.
Strict penalties for food adulteration and misbranding.
Consumers can report unsafe food, and FSSAI can recall products.

Example Cases

Nestlé Maggi Ban (2015) – Maggi noodles were banned due to excessive lead content.
Synthetic Milk Seizure – FSSAI raided a dairy that mixed detergent with milk.
McDonald’s Fine (2019) – McDonald’s India was fined for improper food labeling.

References

FSSAI Official Website – https://www.fssai.gov.in
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 – https://legislative.gov.in
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – https://main.mohfw.gov.in
WHO Food Safety Guidelines – https://www.who.int/foodsafety
Consumer Protection Reports (FSSAI & Legal Cases) – Various sources including court rulings and FSSAI reports.