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Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

PYQs

16

Articles

3

Momentum

43

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

FSSAI is a crucial regulatory body impacting public health, consumer rights, and the food industry. UPSC frequently asks about the structure, functions, and challenges of such statutory bodies in governance.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Establishment

Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Mandate

Sets standards for food articles, regulates manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food.

Objective

To ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

Functions

Grants licenses, conducts surveillance, monitors compliance, and promotes food safety awareness.

Administrative Ministry

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Parent Ministry

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Coordination

Works in coordination with state food safety authorities for enforcement.

Reference table

FSSAI Licensing Tiers (Turnover Thresholds)

Turnover ThresholdPre-March 2026 (Licence Type)Post-March 2026 (Licence Type)
Up to Rs 1.5 croreRegistration (up to Rs 12 lakh), State Licence (Rs 12 lakh - Rs 1.5 cr)Registration
Rs 1.5 crore - Rs 50 croreState Licence (Rs 1.5 cr - Rs 20 cr), Central Licence (Rs 20 cr - Rs 50 cr)State Licence
Above Rs 50 croreCentral LicenceCentral Licence

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaPublic Health
Conceptual areaConsumer Protection
Conceptual areaGovernance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Health & Family WelfareAdministrative ministry
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)Regulates
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Statutory body under FSS Act, 2006.
  • Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
  • Sets food standards & regulates food businesses.
  • Ensures safe & wholesome food for consumers.
  • Combats food adulteration & misleading claims.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutory — FSSAI is a statutory body, not a constitutional one.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

2026Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question

With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details: | Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union M...

Indian PolityOpen question

Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2026Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details: | Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union M...

Indian PolityOpen question

Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

Indian PolityOpen question
2024Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

Indian PolityOpen question
2023Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...

Indian PolityOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 2. It is a regulatory body attached to t...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 2. It is a regulatory body attached to t...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2021Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Co...

EconomyOpen question
2021Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Co...

EconomyOpen question
2019Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India. 2...

EconomyOpen question

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

Science & TechnologyOpen question
2019Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India. 2...

EconomyOpen question

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

Science & TechnologyOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Indian PolityOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Indian PolityOpen question
2017Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedul...

Indian PolityOpen question

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for -

Modern HistoryOpen question
2017Factual recall, Policy measures

Consider the following statements: 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedul...

Indian PolityOpen question

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for -

Modern HistoryOpen question
2014Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservati...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Topic timeline

Public HealthConsumer ProtectionGovernance
Prelims 2014· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservati...

Open question
Prelims 2017· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedul...

Open question

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for -

Open question
Prelims 2017· Factual recall, Policy measures

Consider the following statements: 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedul...

Open question

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for -

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Open question

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Open question

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India. 2...

Open question

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India. 2...

Open question

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

Open question

Consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Co...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

Open question

Consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Co...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 2. It is a regulatory body attached to t...

Open question

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 2. It is a regulatory body attached to t...

Open question

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question

With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details: | Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union M...

Open question

Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine ...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details: | Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union M...

Open question

Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine ...

Open question

Why has FSSAI issued prohibition-of-sale orders against liquor makers? | Explained

05 Aug 2026 · FSSAI is India's apex food regulator, established under the FSS Act 2006, to ensure food safety and public health through standards, licensing, and enforcement.

Read article

Bitter and sweet: on FSSAI draft restrictions, added sugars in infant foods

22 Oct 2026 · FSSAI is India's primary food safety regulator, a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, responsible for setting and enforcing food standards to protect public health, as exemplified by its efforts to restrict added sugars in infant foods.

Read article

How does India regulate food safety? Maharashtra’s plea highlights Centre-state divide

03 Nov 2026 · FSSAI is India's apex food safety regulator, established by the FSSA Act, 2006, to set standards and oversee enforcement, often in collaboration with state authorities, facing challenges in jurisdictional clarity.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Often confused with

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Open notesOften confused with

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Open notes
Often confused with

Public Health & Nutrition Policy (Infant Nutrition)

Coming soon
Often confused with

Centre-State Relations in Regulatory Enforcement

Coming soon

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 16 linked questions on Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

2018·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservati...

2014·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 2. It is a regulatory body attached to t...

2022·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

2018·Indian Polity
Solve

With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...

2023·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

2025·Indian Polity
Solve

With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details: | Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union M...

2026·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements : 1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India. 2...

2019·Economy
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedul...

2017·Indian Polity
Solve

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

2024·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

2022·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine ...

2026·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

2019·Science & Technology
Solve

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

2021·Indian Polity
Solve

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for -

2017·Modern History
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Co...

2021·Economy
Solve

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