New title for food inspectors

The new Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has re-designated all existing full-time food inspectors in the state as Food Safety Officers. The new entrants to the post requires an MSc in chemistry or food technology.
Dr Sudhakar Rao, joint food controller, Institute of Preventive Medicine, said, “We have 54 food inspectors in the state, including six inspectors from the GHMC. As per the new regulations, they have been notified as FSOs. Most of them hold an MSc degree. The new entrants too are required to possess an MSc in chemistry or food technology as the basic qualification. The responsibilities of the FSOs remain same as food inspectors, such as collecting samples inspecting eateries and food manufacturing units.”
The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1956 has been repealed and replaced with FSS Act from this month.
The Act aims to bring a paradigm shift in the method of licencing, disposal of pending cases, role of private laboratories, food labeling, introduction of uniform laws, deemed licencing for the first time and so on.