Being home to a huge ethnic culture and cuisines, the Indian food market stands enormous and it ultimately concerns the health and safety of the public. Thus it becomes a big responsibility to regulate these industries for the welfare of the public and should also ensure healthy and the right food item is supplied to its customers in the market. There are various Acts enacted by the Government of India that further help to prevent harmful food products from being supplied in the market. The two initiatives stand as FSSAI and FPO.
Understanding FSSAI Vs FPO in Detail
In order to understand the distinctions between FSSAI vs FPO, it’s important to know about what is FSSAI and FPO first. FSSAI stands for “Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ” and FPO is the abbreviation for “Food Products Order”. Both are important or we can say intrinsic part of the food industry. In order to maintain the food industry safe and secure for the health of the human being they both play a crucial role. They are governed by the government of India. Their function may differ a little bit but the ultimate goal is to make the food industry clean and safe.
Importance of Food Safety and Standards Regulations in India
The Indian food market stands at large due to its diverse availability and if there is a defective product then it can lead to harmful consequences to the human body as well as turn into a critical situation. Just imagine consuming a food product that contains poison which affects your health. The trust in that particular product deteriorates which affects the health of a person and a loss of reputation towards the food company.
One of the best examples can be considered is the Coronavirus that emerged from the ghetto markets of Wuhan. The researchers claimed that the virus had spread by consuming animals that were harmful for consumption. This all shall arise to a need for an authority that can regulate the food industry, this article will analyse the measures taken by India to regulate the Indian Food Industry.
Basic History of FSSAI and FPO in India
In order to know both FPO as well as FSSAI, it’s important to know the history behind their development. Given below we had discussed about their history separately for your reference:
Background of FPO
The Government of India has introduced various initiatives which include various steps and procedures for the registrations and certification from FSSAI. FPO stands as a major authority for the approval of these procedures. It includes the businesses that are involved in the manufacturing of fruits and vegetables and are thus required to register with FPO.
The FPO has been functioning since 1955 and became the most vital part of the Food Safety and Standard Act in 2006 due to which all the remaining legislations have been overlapped by the FSSAI and are only recognised as the food standards regulation for the entire food market in India.
Background of FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Act came into existence in 2006 as it stands as a mandatory business regulating authority for the Indian food market and further approves the inspection and regulations that are essential for the food market which help in ensuring the quality standards. This all is the responsibility towards the FSSAI. FSSAI has been the only regulator since 2006 and acts as the governing body to approve the food markets in India.
Differentiation Between FPO and FSSAI Authority of India
FPO only focuses on the regulation of food quality standards towards the specific food products under the Food Products Order whereas FSSAI has the only aim is to ensure the food quality standards concerning hygiene for all types of food businesses in India. FPO is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture whereas FSSAI is regulated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. FPO applies to a very limited set of food products whereas FSSAI is applicable on a wide variety of food products. FPO is state government authority whereas FSSAI is central government one. FPO regulates the minimum quality standards on the other hand FSSAI ensure maximum food safety hygiene for all the food products.
| Aspect | FPO | FSSAI |
| Full Form | Food Products Order | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. |
| Purpose | To regulate the food quality and standards of food products in India | To regulate the Food safety standards and maintain the categorisation of food hygiene |
| Scope | Applicable to only specific food products. | Applicable on all food products |
| Authority | Ministry of Agriculture | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| Enforcement Authority | State Government | Central Government |
| Certification | Mandatory | Licence to be obtained |
| Standardisation | Minimum quality Standards | Quality check for the hygiene of food products. |
| Compliance | Food products under FPO | On all food business |
Who must Obtain FSSAI Certification in India?
Following list represents those who needs to obtain FSSAI registration mandatorily in India:
- Food storage units
- Importers and exporters
- Traders/wholesalers
- Every other food producers
- Online food operation businesses
- Food distributors
- Food material suppliers.
Different Types of FSSAI Certifications in India
The Indian Food Market consists of various food businesses starting from small food shops to big food entities and thus their regulations differ according towards their annual turnover, the below-mentioned shall give the reader an idea:
- Basic registration: less the Rs. 12 Lakh as turnover
- State FSSAI License: Between Rs. 12 Lakh to Rs. 20 Crore of turnover.
- Central FSSAI License: More than Rs. 20 Crore of turnover.
Conclusion
Both FPO and FSSAI play a vital role in regulating the food market of India and thus they ensure the quality standards of food products. These two authorities differ in their functions; the FPO only regulates a limited variety of food products in the market whereas the FSSAI stands as the supreme authority to regulate every type of food business in India starting from manufacturing up to reaching to the end customers. The role played by FPO and FSSAI stands as a primary responsible agency to ensure the well-being of citizens and this regulates the entire food business all across India.
FAQs
1. What is the core differentiation between FPO vs FSSAI?
The core standards of FPO regulate minimum quality standards and FSSAI ensures maximum food safety hygiene for all food products.
2. What is the purpose of having FPO and FSSAI?
To regulate the food quality and standards of food products in India and to regulate the Food safety standards and maintain the categorisation of food hygiene.
3. What do FSSAI and FPO stand for?
FSSAI stands for “Food Safety and Standards Association of India” and FPO is the abbreviation for “Food Products Order”.
4. What is the minimum eligibility for food businesses to register for FSSAI certification?
The valuation of a business depends on its annual turnover like the Basic registration: less the Rs. 12 Lakh as turnover State FSSAI License: Between Rs. 12 Lakh to Rs. 20 Crore of turnover. Central FSSAI License: More the Rs. 20 Crore of turnover.
5. Which is the only authority to regulate Indian Food Markets?
FSSAI has been the only regulator since 2006 and acts as the governing body to approve the food markets in India.
