Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Ministry of Health ...

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Identification of emerging risks from food and possibility of harmful effects on
health from that risk
To investigate the causes of risk
To assess risk management by selecting appropriate prevention and control
options
Communication of risk assessment to all stakeholders
Maintain a data base of food related information
To organize communication programmes to generate consumer awareness
and rapid alert system
Recall of food responsible for hazard
To coordinate with medical, police and other related authorities involved in
investigation of reported food poisoning cases.
The State Govt. may determine the number, nature and categories of officers and
employees for proper working and to effectively & efficiently preparing its functions.
11. Establishment of Legal Cell
Implementation of the PFA Act and the subject of food safety are being handled in
many States by the State Health and Family Welfare Departments. In some States, these
are reported to have been transferred to a separate Food Commissioner or Food Authority.
Since the Health and Family Welfare Departments in many cases are over-burdened with
medical administration and managing the large number of health institutions, some States
have proposed moving towards a professional administrative setup with background in food
science for addressing issues relating to food safety. The requirement to setup a Food
Authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 provides an opportunity to
modernise and plan the transition to a more professional science based regulatory
mechanism in the States.
Violation of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act attracts penal
provisions. These cases are to be tried by Adjudicating Officer where the penalty is low.
The Designated Officer is responsible for the scrutiny of the report of the Food Analyst and
decides whether the contravention is punishable with imprisonment or fine only. In case of
contravention being punishable with imprisonment, he is to send his recommendations to the
Commissioner of Food Safety for sanctioning prosecution. The Food Safety Commissioner
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