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Which one of the following agencies enforces the laws on food security in India ?
Explanation
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the primary agency responsible for enforcing food safety and security laws in India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it functions as an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare [2]. The FSSAI was created to consolidate multiple food-related laws into a single line of command, providing a unified reference point for food standards [3]. Its mandate includes framing regulations, laying down scientific standards for food articles, and regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure safe and wholesome food for human consumption [3]. While the World Health Organization (WHO) provides international guidelines and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) sets global standards, the FSSAI is the supreme regulatory authority that implements and enforces these standards within the Indian domestic market.
Sources
- [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 12: Supply Chain and Food Processing Industry > 12.7 FSS Act 2006 and FSSAI > p. 374
- [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 13: Food Processing Industry in India > PRESENT STATUS OF FOOD PROCESSING IN INDIA > p. 411
- [3] https://fssai.gov.in/cms/about-fssai.php