FSSA to be implemented by December 2010

The Indian government, which formulated Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA), is yet to implement it. However, by December 2010, there are plans to implement the Act. The reason being, Central government is still in the process of inviting suggestions, objections for the rules and regulations under this Act. FSSA falls under the purview of Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

Speaking exclusively with Hospitality Biz, Chandrakant Pawar, Joint Commissioner (Food), Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra said, “The Central government has asked for suggestions and explanation on objections, if any, on the rules led under FSSA from every state. Accordingly discussions will be held, rules will be formulated and the Act will be implemented. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra has already sent their suggestions regarding the rules for the Act.”The implementation of FSSA will override all other food related laws. It will specifically repeal eight laws: The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954; The Fruit Products Order, 1955; The Meat Food Products Order, 1973; The Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947; The Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order, 1998; The Solvent Extracted Oil, De oiled Meal, and Edible Flour (Control) Order, 1967; The Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992 and Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (relating to food). Hence, this will enable single window clearance for different types of food licenses, which are being acquired by food manufacturers.

Pawar said, “In addition, the new Act has a provision for penalty (punishment in terms of money) which did not exist in The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (though this Act has power to prosecute). Currently, 85 per cent of cases are dissolved through prosecution. However, the new Act will help in discharging more number of cases with the power of penalty in the hands of food safety officer.”

He further informed, “In order to provide complete knowledge about the new Act each and every employee (like food inspector, food supervisor, assistant commissioner, joint commissioner under the existing The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954) of FDA dealing with FSSA, is required to undergo training programme, which will be conducted by the Central government.”

Maharashtra has 264 Food Inspectors, 36 Food Supervisors, Eight Assistant Commissioners and a Joint Commissioner (Food). Till date, FDA Maharashtra has conducted various raids on food adulteration and seized goods.