Popular Branches
MBA
B.Tech
BBA
BSc
Home > News & Articles > How to Become Food Safety Officer: FSSAI, Notification 2024 Eligibility Criteria, Courses, FSO, Salary, Recruitment and Vacancies
Updated on 12th February, 2024 , 14 min read
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.
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 |
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.
Many graduates desire a career as a food safety inspector. A few quick facts to consider before going into more detail.
Particulars | Details |
Industry | Food & Nutrition |
Eligibility | 10+2 |
Average Starting Salary | INR 2-6 LPA |
Job Opportunity | Food & Nutrition Consultancies, Agriculture Sectors (research), Universities, etc |
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 |
The following list contains the minimal requirements for choosing a position as a food safety officer:
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 |
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 |
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/- |
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 4 Years |
Admission Process | Entrance based (like JEE Main, KCET etc) |
Eligibility Criteria | Passed in Class 12th in relevant subject from a recognised board |
Average Fees | INR 60,000-7 Lakhs |
Starting Salary | INR 2-6 LPA |
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.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 4 Years |
Admission Process | Entrance based (like JEE Main, Amity JEE, UPESEATetc) |
Eligibility Criteria | As per university guidelines and 10+2 scores |
Average Fees | INR 3-7 Lakhs |
Starting Salary | INR 3 LPA |
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.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 4 Years |
Admission Process | Entrance based (JEE Main, MET, BITSAT etc) or Merit Based |
Eligibility Criteria | Passed in Class 12th in relevant subject from a recognised board |
Average Fees | INR 2-5 Lakhs |
Starting Salary | INR 3-7 LPA |
The three-year undergraduate BSc Food Science curriculum examines the nature of food and the changes that occur when it is handled or processed.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 3 Years |
Admission Process | Merit Based |
Eligibility Criteria | Passed in Class 12th with at least 50% marks |
Average Fees | INR 20,000-1 Lakhs |
Starting Salary | INR 2-4 LPA |
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.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 3 Years |
Admission Process | Merit-Based or Entrance based depending on the college's |
Eligibility Criteria | Passed in Class 12th with at least 50% marks |
Average Fees | INR 20,000-1 Lakhs |
Starting Salary | INR 2-4 LPA |
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.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 2 Years |
Admission Process | Direct Admission followed by Counselling/ Entrance-based |
Eligibility Criteria | Passed in Bachelor with at least 50% marks |
Average Fees | INR 20,000-4 Lakhs |
Starting Salary | INR 3-7 LPA |
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.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 2 Years |
Admission Process | Entrance-based (GATE, TANCET, UPSEE etc) |
Eligibility Criteria | Passed in Bachelor with a relevant subject |
Average Fees | INR 60,000-4 Lakhs |
Starting Salary | INR 5-8 LPA |
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 |
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. |
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. |
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) |
Kharagpur | 82,690 | |
Kolkata | 2,400 | |
Rourkela | 2,26,000 | |
Noida | 1,92,000 | |
Vadodara | 86,000 | |
Aligarh | 69,000 | |
Chandigarh | 80,000 | |
Jalandhar | 1,68,000 | |
Dehradun | 1,60,000 |
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.
Below is a list of roles and responsibilities of food safety officers at FSSAI:
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.
Different departments in the public and business sectors hire FSOs. These experts work in a variety of fields, including
Following are the top recruiting organizations for food safety officers in India:
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.
Was this Article Helpful/Relevant or did you get what you were looking for ?
👍 1,234
👎234
D Pharmacy: Admission 2024, Subjects, Colleges, Eligibility, Fees, Jobs, Salary
By - Nikita Parmar 2023-11-04 08:11:48 , 7 min readHow to Become a Pilot after 12th: In India, Courses, Exams, Fees, Salary 2023
By - Nikita Parmar 2023-08-25 09:48:44 , 11 min read