In a major step towards bolstering food safety nationwide, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a 50% reduction in testing fees for its Pan-India surveillance programs. This initiative aims to improve the monitoring of food products and detect potential risks across both organized and unorganized sectors in all districts of the 36 States and Union Territories.
Enhanced Food Safety Across All States:
Under the authority of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is responsible for collecting and analyzing scientific data on biological risks, food contaminants, residue levels, and emerging threats. These surveillance activities are crucial for monitoring food safety, identifying adulteration hotspots, conducting risk assessments, and setting new standards to safeguard food products consumed across India. As part of this effort, FSSAI is conducting a comprehensive Pan-India surveillance program that covers all districts across 36 States and Union Territories.
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In a move to support this initiative, the testing fees for the program have been reduced by 50%, as per order No. 12014/01/2020 dated November 3, 2021, and its corrigendum dated January 19, 2023. Additionally, GST will apply to the revised rates in accordance with Central Government guidelines, with potential future amendments.
This initiative by FSSAI underscores its continued commitment to enhancing food safety standards nationwide by making surveillance programs more accessible and affordable.
This order has been issued with the approval of the appropriate authority.