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FSSAI clarifies on qualification of FSO in regard to terms like degree
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Wednesday, 26 October, 2022, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The FSSAI has issued a clarification with respect to the qualification of food safety officer (FSO) in response to various RTI applications seeking clarity about terms like ‘degree’ mentioned in the FSS Act and rules thereunder.
According to the FSSAI, several representations and RTIs (Right to Information) were received by the authority seeking clarification in respect of the term ‘degree’, ‘degree in medicine’ and ‘equivalent/recognised qualification’ specified in the qualification of FSO under FSS Act.
The apex food authority has stated that the degree means degrees as prescribed in subsection 3 of section 22 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, while for the ‘degree in medicine’ the FSSAI has referred to the Allahabad High Court order.
In its order the High Court observed that degree in medicine does not include any other system of medicine and it will not be proper to include or read any other degree awarded by councils under the other Acts in to degree of medicine. Medicine is defined only under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, and not in other enactments.
Further, FSSAI clarified that in respect of ‘equivalent qualification’, the Central government has not notified any such equivalent qualification so far. “Hence, the only qualification specified for food safety officer in the FSS rules, are applicable for the post of Food Safety Officer,” reads the clarification.
According to the FSS Act, FSOs are appointed based on a degree in food technology or dairy technology or biotechnology or oil technology or agricultural science or veterinary science or bio chemistry or microbiology or master’s degree in chemistry or degree in medicine from a recognised university or any other equivalent/recognised qualification notified by the Central Government.
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