Managing Human Capital at FSSAI

To regulate this business, FSSAI has strength of around 600 employees across the country with Head Office in Delhi and 5 Zonal Offices across India and hence strengthening FSSAI in terms of its infrastructure and human capital is very essential.

Few days ago FSSAI celebrated 10th anniversary of Food Safety and Standards Act, and looking back, this journey has had its share of ups and downs, successes and controversies. As per some estimates the Indian processed food industry has annual sales to the tune of Rs 10-20 lakh crore. FSSAI is also supported by various state-level FDAs with additional manpower of approximately 2,000. (Commissioners of Food Safety across India: 35, Food Analysts: 100+, Food Safety Officers: 2,000). In comparison to this USFDA has strength of almost 14,000 employees.

In current setup following positions exist:

1. Commissioner of Food Safety: Every state is legally mandated to appoint a Food Safety Commissioner for implementation of food safety standards.

2. Food Safety Officers: The Food Safety Commissioners are mandated to appoint Food Safety Officers for a given area, and assign to them the task of performing functions under this Act. The powers of the Food Safety Officers include collecting samples of food articles and getting them tested; seizing articles which appear to be in violation of the law; and inspecting places where any article of food is manufactured.