Food Safety Mitra Scheme
Food Safety Mitra Scheme
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recently launched the food safety Mitra scheme. The Food Safety Mitra Scheme was mainly started to provide support for the small and medium food business in compliance with the food safety laws by providing licensing and registration, hygiene ratings and training facility. Also, the scheme will create employment opportunities for youth across the country. In this article, we look at the Food Safety Mitra Scheme in detail.
Also, read Food Safety Training and Certification (FOSTAC)
Objectives of the Scheme
The objectives of the Food Safety Mitra Scheme are as follows:
- To create employment opportunities for the youth belonging to food and nutrition background.
- To promote the ease of doing business by creating an organised and transparent ecosystem supporting food business.
- To engage motivated individuals with the food safety ecosystem ar groud level.
Food Safety Mitra
Food Safety Mitra is an individual who undergoes training and certified by FSSAI to perform activities on behalf of food business operators with respect to the implementation of FSS Act, Rules and Regulations.
Categories
The food safety Mitra is divided into three categories as given below:
- Digital Mitra
- Trainer Mitra
- Hygiene Mitra
Eligibility Criteria for Digital Mitra
- The applicant age group should be between 21 to 60 years.
- The applicant should have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- The applicant should have knowledge of operating computers, internet etc.
Eligibility Criteria for Trainer Mitra
S.No | Particulars | Basic Level | Advance Level | Special Courses |
1. | Educational Qualification |
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2. | Training Experience | Minimum training experience of 3 years in food safety and hygiene, which includes HACCP, FSMS and any other similar food safety systems in the relevant Food Industry. | Minimum training experience of 5 years in food safety and hygiene, which includes HACCP, FSMS and any other similar food safety systems in the relevant Food Industry. | Minimum training experience of 5 years in food safety and system regulations in the particular sector of the industry. |
3. | General Training Received | Knowledge of FSSAI rules and regulations | Knowledge of FSSAI rules and regulations | Knowledge of FSSAI rules and regulations |
4. | Skills |
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Eligibility Criteria for Hygiene Mitra
- The applicant age group should be between 21 to 60 years.
- The applicant should have completed bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Catering Technology, Bio-Technology, Biochemistry, microbiology, Food, Dairy, Fisheries, Oil Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Sciences from a recognised university.
- The applicant should have knowledge of the FSSAI rules and regulations.
Note: The priority will be to the applicants having knowledge of hazards identification, hygienic and sanitary practices, processing techniques, analysis or control of contaminants and allergens.
Roles and Responsibility
The roles and responsibilities of the Food Safety Mitra are listed out:
Digital Mitra
- Online filing of a new application for registration or license.
- Online application filing for a modification of registration or license.
- Online filing of annual returns.
- Online applications filing for approval of Product/label/Advertisement Claim.
- Online appeal filing for revocation of suspended registration or licenses.
Trainer Mitra
- To conduct training at Eat Right Campuses
- To conduct training of food safety supervisors
- To conduct training of food safety personnel in businesses on demand.
Hygiene Mitra
- Auditing hygiene of Food Business Operators (FBO) outlets as per guidelines.
- Assisting FBO with the implementation of hygiene guidelines.
- Conducting training for food safety supervisors and food handlers about hygienic and safe food handling practices.
To read about Punishment for Food Adulteration–FSSAI click here
Service Charge
Following are the charges will be obtained by the food safety Mitra from the food business operators:
S.No | Type of Service | Service Charge |
1 | Online filing of the new application for registration, license and annual returns. | Rs.100 |
2 | Online application filing for a modification of registration or license. | Rs.500 |
3 | Training
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Negotiable by Trainer Mitra Rs.2000 for FBO with 15 employees or less. Rs.5000 for FBO with 15 employees or more. |
4 | Hygiene Audit | Rs.2000 for FBO with 15 employees or less. Rs.5000 for FBO with 15 employees or more. |
Online Application Procedure for Food Safety Mitra Scheme
To apply for Food Safety Mitra Scheme, follow the steps as given below:
Step 1: The applicant has to access the official website of FSSAI.
Step 2: Click on “Apply Online” link which is visible on the home page of the portal.
Step 3: Now, complete the online application form with the required details such as personal details, qualification details, contact details etc.
Step 4: After filling the form, read the terms and conditions carefully and click on the “Agree” button.
Step 5: Click on “Register Yourself” button to complete the registration process.
Note: After successful registration takes a print out of Application form for future reference.
Issuance of Certificate
On shortlisted from the submitted application, the applicant has to complete training in online and should appear for CBT At one of the specified test centres. After completion of the assessment, the food safety Mitra will be provided with a certificate which is valid for two years. Depending upon the service provided by the FSM to the food business operator, FSM would be required to undergo intermediate training.
Cancellation of Food Safety Mitra Certification
At the time of certification, the security deposit of Rs.5000 will be collected from the Food Safety Mitra. In case the Food Safety Mitra wants to exit from the scheme, then the security deposit will be refunded to the Food Safety Mitra with a specified time period.
To Obtain Food Business Operator License in India click here
Post by Karthiga
IndiaFilings is India's largest online compliance services platform dedicated to helping people start and grow their business, at an affordable cost. We were started in 2014 with the mission of making it easier for Entrepreneurs to start their business. We have since helped start and operate tens of thousands of businesses by offering a range of business services. Our aim is to help the entrepreneur on the legal and regulatory requirements, and be a partner throughout the business lifecycle, offering support at every stage to ensure the business remains compliant and continually growing.