The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a major update through notification no. F. No. QA-11023/25/2023-QA-FSSAI-Part(1), dated 28th March 2025, recognizing various medical degrees as eligible for the post of Food Safety Officer (FSO). This amendment marks a significant expansion of the eligibility criteria and brings graduates from both modern and traditional medical systems under its scope.
🔍 What’s New in the Notification?
Under this new amendment, FSSAI has officially recognized the following medical degrees for the FSO post:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
- BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)
- BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery)
- BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
- Bachelor of Sowa-Rigpa Medicine and Surgery
This change has been made in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and modifies the earlier notification dated 21st September 2023 (F.No. P.15014/8/2023-FR).
🏛️ Who is a Food Safety Officer (FSO)?
A Food Safety Officer is a government-appointed officer responsible for monitoring and enforcing food safety standards across the country. FSOs conduct inspections in:
- Restaurants and hotels
- Food processing units
- Retail and wholesale food outlets
- Packaging and labeling facilities
They ensure compliance with food safety laws and take action against violators to protect public health.
✅ Eligibility Criteria for Food Safety Officer (FSO)
1. Educational Qualification
To apply for the FSO post, a candidate must possess a degree in any of the following:
- Science degrees: B.Sc. in Food Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Agriculture, etc.
- Engineering degree: B.Tech in Food Technology
- Medical degrees: MBBS, BDS
- AYUSH degrees: BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BSRMS (Sowa-Rigpa)
- Other qualifications recognized by FSSAI
2. Age Limit
- General: 18 to 30 years
- Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen as per government norms.
📝 Selection Process for FSO Recruitment
The selection process generally consists of three stages:
🔹 Step 1: Written Examination
Conducted by either:
- FSSAI (Central Recruitment) or
- State Public Service Commissions like RPSC, UPPSC, TNPSC, etc.
➤ Paper 1 – General Aptitude
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- English Language
- Reasoning Ability
- General Science
➤ Paper 2 – Technical Subject (Food Safety)
- FSSAI Act, 2006 & Food Safety Laws
- Food Chemistry & Nutrition
- Food Microbiology
- Quality Control, HACCP
- Codex Alimentarius Standards
🔹 Step 2: Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates must submit valid documents supporting their educational qualifications and age.
🔹 Step 3: Interview / Personality Test (If Applicable)
Some recruitments include interviews; others are based purely on written exam performance.
🗂️ Who Conducts FSO Recruitment?
Recruitment is carried out at both central and state levels:
- Central Level: FSSAI
- State Level: Public Service Commissions such as:
- RPSC (Rajasthan)
- UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh)
- TNPSC (Tamil Nadu)
- MPPSC (Madhya Pradesh), etc.
📚 How to Prepare for FSO Exams
If you’re aiming for the Food Safety Officer post, here’s how you can prepare smartly:
🔸 1. Study the Syllabus Thoroughly
- Focus on FSSAI Act, food safety regulations, and quality control standards.
- Understand key concepts in food microbiology, nutrition, and toxicology.
🔸 2. Strengthen General Awareness
-
Regularly read current affairs, especially health, food, and policy news.
🔸 3. Refer to Standard Books
- NCERT Science (Biology & Chemistry)
- FSSAI guidelines and manuals
- Food Safety and Quality Control books
🔸 4. Practice Mock Tests & PYQs
- Solve previous year question papers
- Attempt online mock tests to assess your speed and accuracy.
🧾 Conclusion
This new FSSAI directive is a game-changer for thousands of medical graduates across India. Whether you are from modern medicine (MBBS/BDS) or traditional systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, or Homeopathy, you now have a great opportunity to serve the nation in ensuring food safety.
If you’re eligible—start your preparation today and become a part of India’s food safety mission!
