In exercise of the powers conferred under Sub Section 5 of Section 10 read with Section 37 of the Food Safety and Standards Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Notification Regarding Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on January 12, 2022. This notification constitutes an amendment to a previous notification published on September 2, 2021, regarding the designation and posting of Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs). The core purpose of the amendment is to update the list of CFSOs, including their names, place of posting, and area of jurisdiction, thereby ensuring adequate regional coverage. Key findings indicate a focus on strengthening food safety oversight across various regions by expanding the number and reach of CFSOs. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the FSSAI notification published on January 12, 2022, concerning the appointment and deployment of Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs). The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the given notification text. The purpose of the report is to inform stakeholders, particularly those in the food industry, about these changes and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification amends the principal notification published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4 on September 2, 2021 (F. No. RCD1500142021RegulatoryFSSAI). * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective of this amendment is to update and expand the roster of designated CFSOs across different regions of India, clarifying their respective areas of jurisdiction. This suggests an aim to enhance the regulatory oversight and enforcement of food safety standards at a regional level. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely addresses a need to enhance regional food safety oversight by increasing the number of CFSOs and clearly defining their areas of responsibility. The addition of new CFSOs and reassignment of existing ones suggests a proactive effort to strengthen the FSSAI's ability to monitor and enforce food safety regulations effectively across diverse regions of the country. It could also be to address workload distribution or emerging needs within specific regions. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification amends the September 2, 2021 notification by: * **Substituting Entries:** In Sr. No. 7, the entries for the Name of CFSOs, Place of Posting and Area of Jurisdiction are substituted, affecting Mr. Vigneshwaran Arasappa Thevar. The new area of jurisdiction is listed as "StatesUTs come under Western Region" * **Inserting New Entries:** Adding new CFSOs and their corresponding place of posting and area of jurisdiction. Specifically: * Entries 21 through 33 are inserted, listing thirteen new CFSOs with their assigned locations and areas of jurisdiction. * Dr. Tina K J is assigned to the Southern Region. * Mr. Chiranjeevi Podapati, Ms. Kommoju Aishwarya, Ms. Sheela P S, Dr. Minta Elizabeth Vargheese, and Mr. C Senthil Murugan are assigned to the Southern Region. * Mr. Vaibhav Vyas, Mr. Rishav, Mr. Umang Srivastava, Ms. Nandita Das, and Ms. Kumari Namita are assigned to the Northern Region. * Mr. Nehulkumar Maheshbhai Shrigod, and Mr. Patil Satish Yashavant are assigned to the Western Region. * The *effect* of these changes is to expand the network of CFSOs, provide more focused regional coverage, and assign specific responsibilities to newly appointed officers. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders include: * The newly appointed and reassigned Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) themselves. * The FSSAI and its regulatory bodies. * Food businesses and operators within the States and Union Territories falling under the jurisdiction of the designated CFSOs. * Consumers who benefit from enhanced food safety oversight. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the responsible agency. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment is effective from the date of publication in the Gazette of India (January 12, 2022). The text implies that the CFSOs are expected to assume their responsibilities immediately upon notification. * The implementation of this amendment requires CFSOs to familiarize themselves with their designated areas of jurisdiction and begin exercising their powers under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcomes of these changes include: * Enhanced monitoring and enforcement of food safety standards at the regional level. * Improved coordination and communication between the FSSAI and food businesses within each jurisdiction. * Increased consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food products. * More efficient handling of food safety-related issues and grievances within specific regions. **9. Conclusion:** The FSSAI notification dated January 12, 2022, represents a strategic effort to strengthen food safety governance by expanding and clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of Central Food Safety Officers across India. The specific changes introduced by this amendment, particularly the addition of new CFSOs and assignment of regional jurisdictions, are intended to enhance regulatory oversight, improve stakeholder engagement, and ultimately contribute to a safer and more reliable food supply chain. This notification highlights the FSSAI's commitment to proactive and adaptive regulation in the food sector.

Key Entities Referenced