Write a short note on Food Safety and Standards Authority of India : Organisation and Functions.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stands as the premier regulatory body in India overseeing food safety and hygiene standards. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI is tasked with ensuring the safety and quality of food products consumed by millions of Indians every day.

Organisation:
FSSAI operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Its organizational structure comprises a Chairperson and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) appointed by the central government, along with other members representing various stakeholders such as food industry experts, scientists, and consumer advocates. The authority functions through its headquarters in New Delhi, as well as regional offices spread across different states and union territories.

Functions:
FSSAI's primary mandate is to lay down science-based standards for food products and regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure public health and safety. Some of the key functions of FSSAI include:

1. Setting Standards: FSSAI establishes and updates food safety standards, specifications, and guidelines based on scientific principles and international best practices. These standards cover a wide range of aspects, including permissible levels of contaminants, labeling requirements, and hygiene practices.

2. Licensing and Registration: FSSAI mandates that food businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, obtain licenses or registrations depending on their scale of operation. This ensures compliance with food safety regulations and facilitates traceability in the event of foodborne outbreaks or contamination incidents.

3. Surveillance and Monitoring: FSSAI conducts surveillance and monitoring activities to assess compliance with food safety standards across the food supply chain. It carries out inspections, sampling, and testing of food products to identify potential risks and take corrective actions as necessary.

4. Enforcement: FSSAI enforces compliance with food safety regulations through inspections, audits, and enforcement actions against violators. It has the authority to impose penalties, suspend licenses, or initiate legal proceedings against entities found to be non-compliant with food safety standards.

5. Consumer Awareness: FSSAI undertakes initiatives to raise awareness among consumers about food safety, nutrition, and healthy eating practices. It educates the public through campaigns, workshops, and outreach programs to empower them to make informed choices about the food they consume.

6. Capacity Building: FSSAI invests in building the capacity of food businesses, regulators, and other stakeholders through training programs, workshops, and skill development initiatives. By enhancing knowledge and skills in food safety management, FSSAI aims to improve compliance with regulatory requirements and promote a culture of food safety.

In conclusion, FSSAI plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by setting and enforcing food safety standards across the food supply chain. Through its organizational structure and diverse functions, FSSAI endeavors to ensure that the food consumed by the Indian populace is safe, hygienic, and of high quality.