FSSAI calls for EoI for inspection / auditing of food business operations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has finally decided to take the services of the private sector for filling up the gap due to shortage of human resource personnel for inspection and auditing of food business operations.In this regard, the Authority has called for an Expression of Interest (EoI) for inspection / auditing of food business operations (FBOs).The Authority said, "FSSAI, under Section 44 of FSS Act, 2006, (Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006) intends to authorise certification / auditing bodies. All such certification / auditing bodies as accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) or any other national accreditation body or by any international accreditation body for inspection / auditing of food business operators for the FSMS (Food Safety Management Systems).can apply."The NABCB undertakes assessment of certification bodies applying for accreditation as per the Board's criteria in line with international standards and guidelines. The Board offers accreditation to the certification and inspection bodies."This will enable the FBOs to assess themselves against these requirements and retain evidence of their due diligence in this regard. The Act also specifies that the primary responsibility for safety is on the food business operators and for this appropriate food safety management system is essential. Thus there is requirement of an annual audit of each FBO," the Authority, further said.Reacting to this development in the Authority, Ashwin Bhadri , head, business relations, Equinox Labs, said, "We have been lobbying for this for a while and glad that it has come. We look forward to apply. This initiative will be a boon to the industry." 

source: fnbnews