FSSAI Structural and Functional Framework

Flashcards covering the establishment, governance, selection procedures, and scientific advisory structures of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as outlined in Sections 4 through 14.

FSSAI

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, established by the Central Government as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a seal.

Section 4

The legal provision under which the Central Government establishes FSSAI via notification.

Head Office of FSSAI

Located at Delhi, though FSSAI may establish offices at any other place in India.

Food Authority Composition

Consists of a Chairperson and $22$ members, where $1/3$ shall be women.

A C C F H L S

Memory code for the $7$ Ministries/Departments represented by ex-officio members: Agriculture, Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Food Processing, Health, Legislative Affairs, and Small Scale Industries.

State and UT Representation

Consists of $5$ members appointed by rotation once in every $3$ years.

Chairperson Qualification

Appointed by Central Government from persons of eminence in food science or administration; if from administration, they must hold or have held a post not below the rank of Secretary to Government of India.

Selection Committee Chairperson

The Cabinet Secretary, who leads the committee recommending the appointment of the Chairperson and non-ex-officio members.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The legal representative and Member-Secretary of the Food Authority, holding a rank not below Additional Secretary to Government of India.

Section 10 Functions

The CEO's responsibilities including day-to-day administration, budget execution, and exercising powers of the Commissioner of Food Safety.

Central Advisory Committee (CAC)

A committee established by the Food Authority, chaired by the CEO, to advise on performance, work programmes, and risk identification.

CAC Meeting Frequency

The committee shall meet regularly and not less than $3$ times a year.

Scientific Panels

Groups of independent scientific experts established to deal with specific areas such as food additives, pesticides, and labelling.

A R G F B C L S

Memory code for the $8$ Scientific Panels: Additives, Residues (Pesticides/Antibiotics), GMOs, Functional Foods, Biological hazards, Contaminants, Labelling, and Sampling/Analysis.

Scientific Committee

Consists of the Chairpersons of Scientific Panels plus $6$ independent experts to provide opinions and coordinate consistency across panels.

Multi-sectoral issues

Issues falling under the jurisdiction of more than one Scientific Panel, which are addressed by the Scientific Committee.

Designated Officer (Enforcement)

The official responsible for prosecution in cases of unsafe food or adjudication in cases of misbranded or substandard food.