The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a significant reduction in testing fees for its Pan-India surveillance programs. This reduction is aimed at enhancing food safety monitoring and risk assessment efforts across the country. This Order was issued on September 11, 2024.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is mandated to conduct surveillance programs to gather data on food safety risks, contaminants, and emerging threats. These programs involve extensive sampling of food products from various sectors across India.
Additionally, it may be recalled that by an order dated November 3, 2021 FSSAI had prescribed testing fees applicable for domestic and import samples drawn by Food Safety Officer, Authorized Officers, etc. and tested by laboratories notified by FSSAI.
Subsequently, by a corrigendum dated January 19, 2023, FSSAI had modified the testing charges for
fruit and vegetable products and cereals and cereal products. It had also
Testing Fee Reduction
FSSAI has now reduced the testing fees for all food categories by 50% effective immediately. This reduction is applicable to surveillance programs conducted by FSSAI headquarters. GST will be applicable on these reduced rates as per the orders of the Central Government.
This reduction in testing fees is expected to encourage more participation from stakeholders in FSSAI’s surveillance programs. Increased participation will lead to better data collection and more comprehensive food safety assessments. Ultimately, this will benefit consumers by ensuring safer food products.
