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: FSSAI Notification Regarding Central Food Safety Officers **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on February 28, 2022. The notification, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4, concerns an amendment to a previous notification (dated September 2, 2021) regarding the designation and jurisdiction of Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs). The key change involves a substitution in the table defining the "Area of Jurisdiction" for Mr. Vedant Laxman Pabal, specifically assigning him jurisdiction over the "States/UTs come under Western Region". This amendment aims to clarify and define the geographical responsibilities of CFSOs, contributing to the effective enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of a notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) pertaining to Central Food Safety Officers. The report is based solely on the text of the notification published in the Gazette of India on March 2, 2022, and aims to inform the affected industry about the changes introduced by this amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification is an amendment to the principal notification published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4, dated the 2nd September, 2021 (F. No. RCD1500142021RegulatoryFSSAI). * **Core Objective (inferred):** To clearly define and assign areas of jurisdiction to Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment addresses the need for clarity regarding the geographical jurisdiction of CFSOs. By specifically defining Mr. Vedant Laxman Pabal's area of jurisdiction as "States/UTs come under Western Region," the amendment likely aims to prevent overlap or ambiguity in the enforcement of food safety regulations within the Western Region. The initial notification may have lacked the necessary specificity, leading to this amendment to ensure efficient regulatory oversight. This ensures responsible parties are clear on who to contact regarding compliance. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces a specific change to the principal notification regarding CFSOs: * **Specific Part Changed:** The entries in the respective columns of Sr. No. 8 in the table defining CFSOs, their Place of Posting, and Area of Jurisdiction. * **New Rule/Provision:** The "Area of Jurisdiction" for Mr. Vedant Laxman Pabal is now defined as "States/UTs come under Western Region". * **Effect of Change:** This change clarifies that Mr. Pabal's responsibility as a CFSO specifically extends to all States and Union Territories that fall under the geographic designation of the "Western Region" of India. This increases the transparency of oversight. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * Food businesses operating within the States and Union Territories of the Western Region of India. They are directly affected by the jurisdiction of Mr. Vedant Laxman Pabal as the CFSO. * Mr. Vedant Laxman Pabal, as it clarifies his area of responsibility. * Other CFSOs and FSSAI officials, as it provides clarity on the jurisdictional boundaries. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the responsible agency for implementing and enforcing this notification. * **Timelines:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Gazette of India, i.e., March 2, 2022. * **Specific to the Change:** The FSSAI is responsible for communicating this change to Mr. Pabal, relevant food businesses in the Western Region, and other concerned officials. Food businesses must understand which CFSO to contact for issues concerning food safety and standards. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to: * Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of food safety regulation enforcement in the Western Region. * Reduce ambiguity and potential conflicts regarding jurisdictional responsibilities of CFSOs. * Ensure food businesses in the Western Region are aware of the specific CFSO responsible for their area. * Increase accountability of CFSOs within their designated jurisdictions. **9. Conclusion:** The FSSAI notification published on March 2, 2022, represents a clarification and refinement of the agency's structure for overseeing food safety standards through CFSOs. The specific amendment concerning Mr. Vedant Laxman Pabal's area of jurisdiction in the Western Region highlights the FSSAI's commitment to defining clear responsibilities, which is crucial for effective enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This amendment is significant for food businesses operating in the Western Region, as it provides clarity on who is responsible for ensuring their compliance with food safety regulations.

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