TÜV SÜD recognised by FSSAI to carry out inspections, audits and testing

TÜV SÜD South Asia has been authorised by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to undertake the inspection/audit of Food Business Operators on their behalf in terms of provision under Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011. This inspection/audit would enable the FBOs (Food Business Operators) to demonstrate compliance to requirements laid down under the FSS Act and rules/regulations made thereunder, thereby leading to issue of the FSSAI licence including its renewal thereafter. Responsibilities for TÜV SÜD in its new role will include inspecting food businesses for basic sanitary and hygiene requirements, conducting preliminary inspection of newly established FBOs, routine and surprise inspections as directed by the FSSAI, conducting periodical audits at least once a year for food businesses, verifying rectification of deficiencies pointed out by the FSSAI, guiding and advising license applicants applying for the license. The accreditation further authorises TÜV SÜD to award the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) certificate as per FSS Act  that is mandatory for all Food Business Operators and issue certification for FSMS.

“We are honoured by the responsibility we have been entrusted with and look forward to working with the FSSAI to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers,” said Pankaj Jaiminy, AVP, Food Safety, TÜV SÜD South Asia Pvt. Ltd. “We have run food safety inspection and certification programmes with private companies and governments around the world for close to five decades globally. In India we have an experienced team working out of three food testing laboratories across the country, who will apply both their global experience and deep local knowledge to support the FSSAI in devising and improving food safety norms in India,” he added. TÜV SÜD is the only agency who has been recognised for both food testing and inspection/auditing by the FSSAI.
This is the first time the FSSAI has authorised external agencies to carry out inspection and audits of the FBOs. The FSSAI Act implemented on August 5, 2011, requires all food manufacturers to acquire a Food Safety Management and Systems (FSMS) licence. Applying for an FSMS certification is mandatory for all FBOs applying for the first time, however for those seeking renewal, the certification procedure is voluntary. TÜV SÜD will also be training new food business operators towards FSMS along with verifying complaints filed with the FSSAI. In addition to TÜV SÜD, four other private agencies have been similarly accredited by the FSSAI to carry out similar services.
Source:http://www.fnbnews.com