FSSAI Proposes Stricter Norms for Food Safety Auditors

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a major revision of eligibility criteria for food safety auditors to strengthen food safety compliance across the country. Under the draft amendment, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in any of 39 approved disciplines, including food science, biotechnology, agriculture, chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, medicine, and public health. The proposal also makes it mandatory for auditors to successfully complete an accredited Lead Auditor course in the Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000). In addition to educational qualifications and certification, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in the food sector and a record of completing a minimum of 10 audits. The revised norms aim to ensure auditors have both technical expertise and practical field experience while bringing Indian food auditing practices in line with international standards.