The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been working to strengthen local authorities to improve food safety and curb adulteration. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains a challenge due to enforcement gaps and resource limitations.

Steps Taken by FSSAI to Strengthen Local Authorities

1. State Food Safety Departments & Enforcement
   • FSSAI has directed State Food Safety Departments to conduct regular raids and inspections in markets.
   • Food Safety Officers (FSOs) are responsible for collecting samples and taking action against adulterators.
2. Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) – Mobile Testing Labs
   • FSSAI has introduced mobile food testing labs called “Food Safety on Wheels” to conduct on-the-spot testing of adulterated food.
   • These vans are deployed in various states to check spices, milk, oil, and other essential food items.
3. Increasing Food Testing Labs
   • FSSAI is expanding state-level and private food testing labs to improve detection.
   • The goal is to make lab testing faster and more accessible for local authorities.
4. Stronger Penalties & Legal Action
   • The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 has been amended to impose heavier fines and jail terms for food adulteration.
   • Life imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh for severe adulteration cases.
5. Use of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Monitoring
   • FSSAI has launched AI-based food surveillance systems to track food fraud and adulteration patterns.
   • The FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal helps in licensing, inspections, and real-time monitoring.
6. Consumer Reporting & Grievance Mechanism
   • “Food Safety Connect” App allows citizens to report food adulteration cases directly to FSSAI.
   • Toll-free FSSAI helpline: 1800112100 to register complaints.

Challenges in Local Enforcement

⚠️ Shortage of Food Safety Officers (FSOs) in many states.
⚠️ Corruption & political influence allowing adulterators to escape punishment.
⚠️ Slow legal process leading to delays in action against violators.
⚠️ Limited consumer awareness about food safety laws and testing methods.

What More Can Be Done?

✔️ Mandatory frequent inspections at spice factories, restaurants, and street food vendors.
✔️ Public database of adulterators to blacklist repeat offenders.
✔️ More transparency in test results and easy public access to lab reports.
✔️ Incentives for whistleblowers who report food adulteration.