TUV SUD Recognized by FSSAI to Carry Out Food Safety Inspections, Audits and Testing

-- In a first, FSSAI authorizes external agencies to carry out inspection and audits on its behalf
-- German certification major TUV SUD is the only company to obtain recognition for carrying out food testing services as well as auditing/inspection

TUV SUD South Asia has been authorized by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to undertake the inspection/audit of Food Business Operators on their behalf in terms of provisions 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 FSS Act and rules/regulations made thereunder, thereby leading to issue of FSSAI License including its renewal thereafter. Responsibilities for TUV SUD 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 authorizes TUV SUD 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, TUV SUD South Asia Pvt. Ltd.. We have run food safety inspection and certification programs with private companies and governments around the world for close to 5 decades globally. In India we have a highly 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. TUV SUD is the only agency who has been recognised for both food testing and inspection/auditing by FSSAI.

This is the first time the FSSAI has authorized external agencies to carry out inspection and audits of FBOs. The FSSAI Act implemented on 5th of August 2011 requires all food manufacturers to acquire a FSMS license. Applying for a FSMS certification is mandatory for all FBOs applying for the first time, however for those seeking renewal, the certification procedure is voluntary. TUV SUD will also be training new food business operators towards Food Safety Management and Systems along with verifying complaints filed with the FSSAI. In addition to TUV SUD, four other private agencies have been similarly accredited by the FSSAI to carry out similar services.