Q. Consider the following statements:

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: (a) 1 only

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI.
It has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts and orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments.
The FSSAI has its headquarters at New Delhi. The authority also has 6 regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai.
The Food Standards and Safety Act, 2006 replaced several Acts and Orders like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954; Fruit Products Order, 1955; etc.
FSSAI is headed by a non-executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or have held a position not below the rank of Secretary to the GoI.
- It is not under the charge of Director General of Health Services.
FSSAI has been created for laying down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to human consumption.

If we talk about the composition of board members leading the organisation from the front, the structure of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India comprises:
- Chairman – Appointed by the Central Government
- 22 other members, of which one-third must be women
Apart from this, a strong team of scientists and researchers for the testing of food quality. Separate committees and panels are also formed with experts from scientific backgrounds.

Setting Rules and Guidelines – FSSAI sets up rules and guidelines which need to be followed by all food manufacturing companies, keeping into consideration hygiene and food safety
Granting License – To pursue any food related business, the owner needs to get a certificate and license with the permission of FSSAI
Test the Standard of Food – the standard and quality of food manufactured by all companies registered under FSSAI, is done by the organisation themselves
Regular Audits – Proper inspection is done for food-producing and manufacturing companies to ensure the standards are at par with the guidelines
Spreading Food Safety Awareness – It is the responsibility of FSSAI to spread awareness and inform the citizens about the importance of safe and hygienic food consumption
Maintain Records and Data – FSSAI also has the responsibility to maintain proper records and data of all the registered organisations. Any violation of rules prescribed by FSSAI can lead to the termination of the license
Keeping the Government Updated – Any food safety-related threat must be informed to the Government authorities for further action. Also, assist them in framing food standard policies

Eat Right India – The aim is not just to provide food to one and all, but to provide quality food to everyone. With this initiative, FSSAI intends to make good quality food accessible to every citizen of the country.
Clean Street Food – This involves training the street food vendors and making them aware of the violations as per the FSS Act 2006. This will also help in the social and economic upliftment of street food vendors.
Diet4Life – This is another initiative taken by FSSAI, to spread awareness about metabolic disorders.
Save Food, Share Food, Share Joy – Encouraging people to avoid food wastage and promote food donation. Through this, FSSAI intends to connect food-collecting agencies with the food-producing companies and share the food with the ones in need.