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: Notification Regarding Food Safety Officer Under Indian Railways **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding the appointment of a Food Safety Officer (FSO) within the Indian Railways. This notification amends a principal notification dated April 18, 2017, to include a new FSO. The core purpose is to ensure food safety standards are maintained within the specified railway zone. Key findings indicate a strengthening of FSSAI's regulatory oversight within the Indian Railways system through the assignment of specific personnel to monitor food safety. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a notification published in the Gazette of India on September 22, 2021, by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The report focuses on understanding the amendment's purpose, key changes introduced, affected parties, and potential impacts, based solely on the information presented in the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification is an amendment to the principal notification dated April 18, 2017, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4 on April 20, 2017 (F. 142 2011RailwaysFSSAI PartI). * **Core Objective:** Based on the text, the core objective of this amendment is to designate and assign specific Food Safety Officers (FSOs) to specific areas within the Indian Railways to ensure compliance with food safety standards. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification amends a previous policy. The likely reason for this specific amendment is to expand or refine the coverage of Food Safety Officers within the Indian Railways system. The provided text suggests the need to assign a dedicated FSO to the North East Frontier Zone, potentially indicating a gap in coverage or a need for increased focus on food safety within that specific region of the railway network. This highlights a continued effort to ensure food safety standards across the Indian Railways. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces changes by *inserting* a new entry into a table related to FSOs. Specifically: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The notification amends the principal notification dated April 18, 2017, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4 on April 20, 2017. It adds to the existing entries of Food Safety Officers assigned to the Indian Railways. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new rule is the addition of the following information to the table, related to Food Safety Officers: * Sr. No.: 88 * Name of FSO: Sh. Shivashish Patel * Place of posting: North East Frontier Zone * Railway: ARUN SINGHAL, Chief Executive Officer * **Difference/Effect of this Change:** This amendment specifically assigns Sh. Shivashish Patel as the FSO for the North East Frontier Zone under the authority of ARUN SINGHAL, Chief Executive Officer. This dedicated assignment likely strengthens food safety oversight within that particular zone of the Indian Railways by providing a designated individual responsible for enforcement and compliance. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the target audience and stakeholders primarily include: * **Sh. Shivashish Patel:** The newly appointed Food Safety Officer. * **ARUN SINGHAL, Chief Executive Officer:** The authority under whom the FSO will operate. * **Food vendors and establishments operating within the North East Frontier Zone of Indian Railways:** They are subject to the oversight of the newly appointed FSO. * **Consumers of food within the North East Frontier Zone:** As this strengthens the food safety oversight in the zone. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the responsible agency. The notification also mentions "Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press" and "Controller of Publications, Delhi," indicating the involvement of government printing and publication agencies. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification states that the appointment is effective "from the date of publication of this notification" (September 22, 2021). The text does not specify detailed procedures beyond the publication and notification process. However, it implies that standard FSSAI protocols and guidelines will be followed by the appointed officer. * **Specifically Regarding the Changes:** The implementation of this amendment involves ensuring that Sh. Shivashish Patel is aware of their responsibilities and has the resources needed to fulfill their role as the FSO for the North East Frontier Zone. It also requires clear communication to vendors and establishments within the zone regarding the change in personnel. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this specific change is: * **Improved Food Safety:** Strengthened food safety surveillance and enforcement within the North East Frontier Zone of the Indian Railways, leading to a safer food environment for passengers and railway personnel. * **Increased Compliance:** Greater adherence to food safety standards by vendors and establishments operating within the specified railway zone due to the presence of a dedicated FSO. * **Enhanced Accountability:** Clearer lines of responsibility and accountability for food safety within the North East Frontier Zone. **9. Conclusion:** This notification signifies FSSAI's ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety regulation within the Indian Railways. The appointment of a dedicated Food Safety Officer for the North East Frontier Zone, as outlined in this amendment, is a step towards improving compliance, enhancing accountability, and ultimately ensuring the safety of food consumed within that region of the railway network. The changes have the potential to positively impact food safety for both vendors and consumers, contributing to a more reliable and secure food environment within the Indian Railways system.

Key Entities Referenced