Context

• FSSAI has reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water into a high-risk category, making strict regulatory controls and annual inspection mandatory. Also, FSSAI requires manufacturers to undergo third-party food safety audits.

FSSAI

• FSSAI is an autonomous body established by the Government of India (September 5, 2008) with the primary objective of ensuring quality and safety of food products in India.

Functions of FSSAI

• Enforcing food safety laws: FSSAI is responsible for enforcing all laws relating to food safety and standards in India.
• Licensing and registration of food products: Granting licenses and registrations for the production, storage and sale of food products.
• Standardization of food testing laboratories: Standardizing food testing laboratories and ensuring the quality of tests conducted by them.
• Spreading food safety awareness: Making the general public aware about food safety and motivating them to choose safe foods.
• Regulation of food import-export: Controlling the import and export of food products and ensuring that they conform to Indian food safety standards.

Why is FSSAI important?

• Health Safety: FSSAI ensures that the food we eat is safe and does not cause any kind of disease.
• Food Quality: FSSAI helps in maintaining the quality of food products so that the consumer can get tasty and nutritious food.
• Trade Promotion: FSSAI helps in promoting the food industry and facilitates the access of Indian food products to the international market.