Home  >  News & Articles  >  How to Become Food Safety Officer: FSSAI, Notification 2024 Eligibility Criteria, Courses, FSO, Salary, Recruitment and Vacancies

Samiksha Gupta

Updated on 12th February, 2024 , 14 min read

How to Become Food Safety Officer: FSSAI, Notification 2024 Eligibility Criteria, Courses, FSO, Salary, Recruitment and Vacancies

Food Safety Officer Overview

A food safety officer is a specialist whose job is to inspect and analyse food samples taken from various locations. The primary goal of food sample analysis is to find any potentially harmful effects of food products, questionable ingredients in food, or raw materials used in their production. The Food Safety Officer may notify the producer, seller, or distributor of the food product for using potentially hazardous food products or raw materials based on the findings. Other responsibilities of a food safety officer include making unannounced visits to hotels, restaurants, and the food sector to check food products and determine whether or not all safety regulations and norms are adhered to throughout production. A food safety officer is employed in India by either the State Government or the Central Government at an Administrative Post. State Civil Services (SCS) examination results are used to determine who gets hired in the relevant state.

Students who want to work as food safety officers can enrol in a variety of undergraduate and graduate food technology programmes, including BTech, BSc, and BE degrees. Students can enrol for UG programmes in food science after passing their class 12th board exams, ideally in the science stream. Students who want to enrol in graduate school must complete their undergraduate degrees with the necessary specialities.

Food Safety Officer Notification 2024

Candidates interested in working as a Central Food Safety Officer or in other positions under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India should be mindful the concerned officials have not yet disclosed a date or time for the release of the notification brochure, but it is widely assumed that it will be released in October or November 2023. Once it is available, all qualified and interested candidates will be able to apply online for Technical Officer, Central Food Safety Officer, Assistant, Food Analyst, and other positions via the official web-portal.

Country 

India 

Organization 

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

Post Name 

Technical Officer, Central Food Safety Officer, Assistant, Food Analyst, etc.

Vacancies 

233

Notification 

October or November 2024

Application Form (Open) 

September 2024 (Tentative)

Application Form (Closes) 

September 2024 (Tentative)

Official Website 

fssai.gov.in

 

Candidates should be aware that once the official notification for recruitment against various posts in FSSAI is released, the window to submit the application form will be activated for four weeks. If you are among those who want to be appointed as Technical Officer, Central FSO, Assistant, Food Analyst, or any other post, you should be aware that the applications of those aspirants will be accepted by the concerned officials, who will meet eligibility requirements.

Food Safety Officer 2024 Highlights

Many graduates desire a career as a food safety inspector. A few quick facts to consider before going into more detail.

ParticularsDetails
IndustryFood & Nutrition
Eligibility10+2
Average Starting SalaryINR 2-6 LPA
Job OpportunityFood & Nutrition Consultancies, Agriculture Sectors (research), Universities, etc

Also read about- How to become a police officer and How to Become a Scientist in India.

Food Safety Officer Vacancy 2024

There are a total of 233 openings for various jobs under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The table below shows the number of vacancies for the food safety officer role 2023:

S.No.

Post Name

Vacancies

1.

Technical Officer

125

2.

Central Food Safety Officer

37

3.

Food Analyst

04

4.

Assistant Manager (IT)

04 

5.

Assistant Manager 

02

6.

Assistant Manager 

02

7.

Assistant

33 

8.

Hindi Translator

01 

9.

Personal Assistant

19

10.

IT Assistant

03

11.

Junior Assistant Grade – I

03

Total 

233

FSSAI Eligibility Criteria 2024

The following list contains the minimal requirements for choosing a position as a food safety officer:

  1. Educational Qualification: The applicant must be in possession of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a pertinent field, such as a B.Sc. or B. Tech. in food technology, dairy technology, biotechnology, agriculture science, or biochemistry, from a reputable university.
  2. Specialization: A PhD in a suitable field is required for those who want to work in science.
  3. Experience: Candidates must have a certain amount of relevant experience.
  4. Age Limit: The candidate must be between 18-60 years of age to appear for the SSC examination. The upper age limit for reserved category candidates is relaxable.
  5. Certification: Candidates might need to complete an FDA-authorized exam and get certified.

The table below shows the eligibility criteria 2023 for the Food Safety Officer role:

Post

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification 

Age Limit 

Food Analyst

Master’s Degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry or Dairy Chemistry or Food Technology or Food Science & Technology or Food & Nutrition or Edible Oil Technology or Microbiology. 

18 to 35 Years 

Bachelor of Technology in Dairy or Oil or degree in Veterinary Sciences and 3 years of experience in the Analysis of Food. 

Technical Officer

Master’s degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry or Food Technology or Food Science & Technology or Food & Nutrition or Edible Oil Technology or Microbiology or Dairy Technology or Agricultural or horticultural Sciences or Industrial Microbiology or Toxicology or Public Health or Life Science or Biotechnology or Fruit & Vegetable Technology or Food Safety & Quality Assurance. 

18 to 30 Years

BE or B.Tech in Food Technology or Dairy Technology or Biotechnology or Oil Technology or Food Process Engineering or Food Processing Technology or Fruit & Vegetable Technology or Food Safety & Quality Assurance or Bachelor’s degree in Medicine or Veterinary Sciences or Fisheries or Animal Sciences. 

1 Year or above PG Diploma in Food Safety or Food Science, Food Processing or Quality Assurance in Food sector or Dietetic and Public Health or Nutrition or Dairy Science or Bakery Science or Post Harvest Technology

Central Food Safety Officer

Degree in Medicine or Food Technology or Dairy Technology or Biotechnology or Oil Technology or Agricultural Science or Veterinary Sciences or Biochemistry or Microbiology. 

Master’s Degree in Chemistry.

Assistant Manager (IT)

BTech or MTech in Computer Science or any other relevant Engineering Discipline or MCA. 

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant fields and 5 Years of total experience and minimum 3 years’ experience in relevant fields.

Assistant

Bachelor’s Degree.

Hindi Translator

Master’s degree in Hindi/English with English/Hindi as a compulsory subject.

Master’s degree in any other subject with Hindi and English as compulsory subjects.

Personal Assistant

Bachelor’s Degree with proficiency in shorthand (80 WPM) and typing (40 WPM – English) and/ or (35 WPM Hindi) should be computer literate and proficient in using MS Office and internet etc.

IT Assistant

Bachelor’s Degree with at least one year PG Diploma/Degree in Computer Application or Information Technology or equivalent degree in relevant field. 

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Application or equivalent degree in relevant field.

Junior Assistant Grade – I

Intermediate 

18 to 25 Years 

Food Safety Officer Selection Process 2024

The selection procedure for the various positions consists of a number of steps, as shown in the table below:

Post Name

Selection Process 

Food Analyst

Written Test + Interview

Technical Officer

CBT (Stage-1) + CBT (Stage-2)

Central Food Safety Officer

CBT (Stage-1) + CBT (Stage-2)

Assistant Manager (IT)

CBT (Stage-1) + CBT (Stage-2)

Assistant Manager

CBT (Stage-1) + CBT (Stage-2)

Hindi Translator

CBT

Assistant

CBT

Personal Assistant

CBT + Proficiency in Shorthand & Typing

IT Assistant

CBT

Junior Assistant Grade-I

CBT

FSSAI Salary 2024

The table below shows the salary for the various posts for the Food Safety Officer role:

Post Name

Salary 

Technical Officer

₹44,900/- to ₹1,42,400/-

Central Food Safety Officer

₹44,900/- to ₹1,42,400/-

Assistant

₹35,400/- to ₹1,12,400/-

Food Analyst

₹56,100/- to ₹1,77,500/-

Assistant Manager (IT)

₹44,900/- to ₹1,42,400/-

Assistant Manager

₹44,900/- to ₹1,42,400/-

Hindi Translator

₹35,400/- to ₹1,12,400/-

Personal Assistant

₹35,400/- to ₹1,12,400/-

IT Assistant

₹35,400/- to ₹1,12,400/-

Junior Assistant Grade – I

₹25,500/- to ₹81,100/-

 

Types of Food Safety Officers

A food safety officer is a specialist who is qualified to examine food samples that have been gathered from various locations. If dangerous foods or crude materials are used in the production of the food item, they can notify the manufacturer, distributor, or vendor.

Below is a list of some of the main categories used by food safety officials.

  1. Food Technologist: A food technologist makes sure that strict hygiene and sanitation standards are maintained when preparing and packaging food. In addition to testing and inspecting food samples, they monitor the use of additives and additional ingredients in food products.
  2. Food researchers: A food scientist examines food trials to take into account how food kinds are handled and how they can get weaker. They examine the food sample to look for any potentially dangerous ingredients or materials. They also discover methods for food preservation and packaging.
  3. Food and Drug Administrator: The role of the Food and Drug Administrator is to protect public health by assuring the safety of food products and, in addition, to decrease the harmful effects of tobacco products that are subject to regulation.
  4. Health Inspector: The Food and Drug Administrator's duties include monitoring the safety of food goods and minimizing the negative impact of regulated tobacco products on public health.

Job Role

Starting Pay Scale

Mid-level Pay Scale

Highest Pay Scale

Food Technologist

INR 3 Lakhs

INR 4.5 Lakhs

INR 7 Lakhs

Food researchers

INR 4 Lakhs

INR 7.5 Lakhs

INR 20 Lakhs

Food and Drug Administrator

INR 3 Lakhs

INR 4 Lakhs

INR 5 Lakhs

Health Inspector

INR 2.4 Lakhs

INR 3 Lakhs

INR 6 Lakhs

How to become a Food Safety Officer in India 2023

In India, being a food safety officer is a difficult profession. After passing secondary school, candidates who want to follow this vocation should begin preparing and preparing their minds to deal with challenges (10th). After that, students must pick the appropriate courses, get ready for graduation, and then benefit from a certificate programme in food safety officer.

School Level Preparation

  1. A higher secondary degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or economics is required for those who want to work as food safety officers.
  2. To be accepted into a Bachelor's degree programme in food or a related profession, they must pass an entrance exam.
  3. By enrolling in one of the several coaching facilities, students can get ready for the entrance examinations.
  4. In addition, the testing authorities issue a variety of sample papers or mock tests that students can use to practise for their exams.

Graduation Level Preparation

  1. Candidates who want to work as food safety officers at the undergraduate level should first concentrate on passing the entrance tests and enrolling in a bachelor's degree programme.
  2. Any B.Tech. or B.E. course is acceptable. Alternative courses, such as a BA in Food Science or a BSc in Food Technology, are also available for the students to enrol in.
  3. Along with their undergraduate coursework, students should concentrate on gaining a thorough understanding of the several programme subjects.
  4. Throughout their UG degree, students should strive to maintain an overall score of between 55% and 60%.
  5. Students who choose to enrol in master's programmes should begin studying for the GATE or JAM exams.

Post-Graduation Level Preparation

  1. Students can apply for admission after completing their bachelor's degree by taking the GATE or any relevant entrance exam.
  2. Only 15-20% of students are able to pass the entrance exam each year, so the students need to work considerably harder to do well on the GATE exam.
  3. It would be advantageous if you obtained a professional certification combined with an internship after completing your undergraduate studies and before choosing a career or graduate study in order to position yourself for a higher pay package.

Food Safety Officer Exam in India

A food safety officer in India is hired by the state government after passing the State Civil Services (SCS) test.

For the FSO post, candidates are chosen based on their performance in the personal interview (personality evaluation), the main written test (traditional type), the preliminary written test (multiple choice & objective type), and their academic records. The primarily written examination will contain questions from optional areas like zoology, statistics, mathematics, geology, environmental science, computer application science, botany, veterinary science, physics, horticulture, forestry, engineering, chemistry, agriculture, and others.

Compared to the main written test, the preliminary exam is simpler to pass. MCQs would be included in the objective framework of the preliminary exam. On the other hand, the primary written exam would be a traditional one. All qualifying candidates will receive an invitation to the interview after completing the preliminary and main exams.

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Food Safety Officer Courses 2024

The most popular course in India to become a food safety inspector isBTech food technology. Other similar degrees, such as BTech food science, BE food technology, BSc food sciences, etc., are available for students to choose from.

BTech Food Science

A bachelor's degree programme in food science is called BTech Food Science, or Bachelor of Technology in Food Science. It is the study of food variety and the changes that naturally occur in food supplies as well as those brought on by handling and processing.

ParticularsDetails
Duration4 Years
Admission ProcessEntrance based (like JEE Main, KCET etc)
Eligibility CriteriaPassed in Class 12th in relevant subject from a recognised board
Average FeesINR 60,000-7 Lakhs
Starting SalaryINR 2-6 LPA

BTech Food Technology

A 4-year undergraduate degree programme in BTech Food Technology oversees the examination of food preparation, safety procedures, and applications of food design used in the food industry to extend product shelf life.

ParticularsDetails
Duration4 Years
Admission ProcessEntrance based (like JEE Main, Amity JEE,  UPESEATetc)
Eligibility CriteriaAs per university guidelines and 10+2 scores
Average FeesINR 3-7 Lakhs
Starting SalaryINR 3 LPA

Also read more about the Variety of Food.

BE Food Technology

The 4-year Bachelor of Engineering in Food Technology programme is at the undergraduate level. The course's main focus is on using food science to choose, protect, handle, bundle, and distribute food in order to promote safe, nutrient-dense, and healthy food consumption.

ParticularsDetails
Duration4 Years
Admission ProcessEntrance based (JEE Main, MET, BITSAT etc) or Merit Based
Eligibility CriteriaPassed in Class 12th in relevant subject from a recognised board
Average FeesINR 2-5 Lakhs
Starting SalaryINR 3-7 LPA

BSc Food Science

The three-year undergraduate BSc Food Science curriculum examines the nature of food and the changes that occur when it is handled or processed.

ParticularsDetails
Duration3 Years
Admission ProcessMerit Based
Eligibility CriteriaPassed in Class 12th with at least 50% marks
Average FeesINR 20,000-1 Lakhs
Starting SalaryINR 2-4 LPA

BSc Food Technology

A three-year, full-time undergraduate programme leading to the BSc in Food Technology is available. This curriculum comprises in-depth research on techniques and activities related to food production, processing, and preservation.

ParticularsDetails
Duration3 Years
Admission ProcessMerit-Based or Entrance based depending on the college's
Eligibility CriteriaPassed in Class 12th with at least 50% marks
Average FeesINR 20,000-1 Lakhs
Starting SalaryINR 2-4 LPA

MSc Food Technology

A two-year postgraduate degree called MSc Food Technology oversees the developments used to deliver, protect, interact with, package, and distribute food. It takes into account the analysis of the cycles and tactics needed from gathering the raw materials to getting the finished product to the consumer.

ParticularsDetails
Duration2 Years
Admission ProcessDirect Admission followed by Counselling/ Entrance-based
Eligibility CriteriaPassed in Bachelor with at least 50% marks
Average FeesINR 20,000-4 Lakhs
Starting SalaryINR 3-7 LPA

MTech Food and Nutrition

A postgraduate programme that is offered full-time is called MTech Food and Nutrition, or Master of Technology in Food and Nutrition. It covers technological topics related to food production, handling, packaging, quality assurance, preservation, the conversion of raw materials into food, and the distribution of food products.

ParticularsDetails
Duration2 Years
Admission ProcessEntrance-based (GATE, TANCET, UPSEE etc)
Eligibility CriteriaPassed in Bachelor with a relevant subject
Average FeesINR 60,000-4 Lakhs
Starting SalaryINR 5-8 LPA

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Food Safety Officer Skills Required

You must possess a few necessary abilities for this profession in order to work as a food safety officer. The career of a food safety officer requires some of the abilities listed below.

Be a good observer

Judgment and Decision Making

Strong communication skills

Critical Thinking

Able to clearly and critically specify

Systematic thinking

Have good decision-making skills

Aware of the latest analytical methodologies

Advantages of Becoming a Food Safety Officer

The following table gives you information about the benefits of becoming a food safety officer.

Particulars

Details

Salary

In India, food safety officers have an average pay of INR 3,00,000. Freshmen food safety officers begin their careers with an annual salary of INR 2,50,000. Officers in charge of food safety who have more than ten years of expertise might make more than INR 6,00,000 annually.

Job Security

In India, food safety officers have an average pay of INR 3,00,000. Freshmen food safety officers begin their careers with an annual salary of INR 2,50,000. Officers in charge of food safety who have more than ten years of expertise might make more than INR 6,00,000 annually.

Make a difference

By preventing potentially fatal diseases from infecting our food, food safety officers have an impact on people's health and well-being. In this line of work, you can contribute to social responsibility while making a difference in the world.

Dynamic Environment

Working as a food safety officer can involve inspecting items, making quality recommendations, and even chairing a board meeting all on the same day. Because 74% of workers have obligations abroad, there are opportunities to work in a dynamic setting.

Career flexibility

Food safety inspectors can choose to work in small or large international firms, as well as in factories of varying sizes.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Food Safety Officer

The following table gives you information about the cons of becoming a food safety officer.

Particulars

Details

Clear entrance exam

Candidates must perform well on state- or central-level admission exams like the SSC in order to become successful food safety officers in India.

Experience

Candidates for this position typically have a strong foundation in the pertinent field and a minimum number of years of experience.

Challenging 

The position of a food safety officer is highly difficult because it requires quick choices and collaboration between organisations, authorities, and customers.

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Career Path of a Food Safety Officer  

  1. The applicant for the position of Food Safety Officer must submit an application after earning the necessary degree. 
  2. Candidates for government positions can apply for the SCS entry for the position of Food Safety Officer in their local state. 
  3. Performance in the admission exam and a round of personal interviews will be taken into consideration when making the decision. 
  4. On the websites of newspapers and other media outlets for various states, the recruitment announcement is made. To apply, job seekers must frequently check for openings.

Also read about- Income Tax Officer Salary

Top Food Technology Colleges in India

More than 240 food technology colleges may be found in India. In India, there are a total of 53% private colleges, 43% public/government colleges, and 4% designated colleges. 

Below is a list of universities in India for pursuing food technology.

Name of Colleges

Location

Avg Course fees (INR)

IIT Kharagpur

Kharagpur

82,690

Jadavpur University

Kolkata

2,400

National Institute of Technology

Rourkela

2,26,000

Amity University

Noida

1,92,000

Parul University

Vadodara

86,000

Aligarh Muslim University

Aligarh

69,000

University of Engineering

Chandigarh

80,000

Lovely Professional University

Jalandhar

1,68,000

University of Petroleum and Engineering

Dehradun

1,60,000

FSSAI

The full-form of FSSAI is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The self-governing statutory organisation that oversees food safety and standards in India is called the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). FSSAI is under the direction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In order to ensure that humans have access to safe and wholesome food, the FSSAI was founded to develop science-based standards for food articles and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import.

FSSAI Roles and Responsibilities

Below is a list of roles and responsibilities of food safety officers at FSSAI:

  1. Establishing Policies and Standards
  2. Providing a Licence 
  3. Providing a Licence 
  4. Increasing Public Awareness of Food Safety
  5. Keeping the government updated by maintaining records and data

FSSAI Exam Accepted

Candidates who are eager and motivated and are looking for exciting career opportunities in the food regulatory system are invited to apply directly to FSSAI.

The exam would be broken up into two parts (Part A and Part B), with 180 minutes allotted for each section's 120 objective multiple-choice questions. General aptitude and computer literacy in Part A is weighted at 40 points each, whereas functional knowledge in Part B is weighted at 80 points.

Employment Sectors for Food Safety Officers in India

Different departments in the public and business sectors hire FSOs. These experts work in a variety of fields, including

  1. Food manufacturing sector
  2. Pharma industry
  3. Agriculture sector
  4. State government
  5. Central government

Top Recruiting Organizations

Following are the top recruiting organizations for food safety officers in India:

  1. Department of Food Safety & Health, Government of India
  2. SPSC (State Public Service Commission)
  3. FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India)

Also read about- Food Adulteration.

How to become a Food Safety Officer Abroad

For those interested in becoming a food safety officer, a number of prestigious universities overseas offer courses in food technology, food science, agriculture, biotechnology, microbiology, etc. They aid the candidate in comprehending the country's rules governing the food business. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are some of the top locations for students interested in pursuing Food Technology or related courses.

The following eligibility requirements are included below for your reference if a candidate wants to work as a food safety officer abroad.

  1. Candidates must have received a grade of at least 70% on their 10+2 exam or another equivalent.
  2. The candidate must have completed a Bachelor's degree in nutrition, food technology, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline in order to pursue a Master's degree.
  3. Candidates must pass different English language proficiency exams, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, with a minimum score of 6.5 on each exam and a score of 100 or higher overall.
  4. A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is required of applicants in addition to an updated curriculum vitae.
  5. Two letters of recommendation from the last institution the applicant attended, outlining the applicant's academic qualifications and professional ambitions, are required.
  6. The individual may apply for scholarships to study abroad in order to receive financial aid.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. A food safety officer’s duties include collecting food samples from various locations, storing dangerous foods, investigating questionable food production facilities, etc.

Ans. A graduate in any pertinent field is required to apply to become a food officer. A student becomes qualified to take the Food Office selection exam after completing the 3- to 4-year Bachelor program. The Central Government and the State Governments alternately oversee this test.

Ans. At a regulatory level, a food safety officer is employed with a respectable pay scale. They are responsible for making important decisions relating to the safety and hygienic handling of food.

Ans. The role of the food safety officer is only open to graduates of the following fields: food technology, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, agriculture, veterinary sciences, etc. Pharmacy graduates are not qualified for this position.

Ans. No, students studying hotel management are not qualified to take the Food Safety Officer exam. People who have earned a degree in agriculture, pharmacy, food technology, or dairy technology from a reputable college are also eligible to apply for the food safety officer test.

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