Food Safety Mitra Scheme: Definition, Eligibility, and Registration Process

Food Safety Mitra Scheme is a government initiative to support small and medium food businesses. The scheme was introduced by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India, aka FSSAI. The scheme aims to help small and medium food businesses by rendering services in terms of compliances, licensing, hygiene ratings, and training. Also, the scheme will generate ample jobs for youth across the country. This article will cover different aspects of the Food Safety Mitra Scheme in detail.

Objectives of the Food Safety Mitra Scheme

The following points reflect the key objectives of the Food Safety Mitra Scheme

• To create employment for the young bloods associated with the food and nutrition field.
• To advocate the ease of doing business by establishing a transparent &organized ecosystem supporting food business.
• To encourage proactive individuals with the food safety ecosystem.

What is the role of Food Safety Mitra (FMS)?

Food Safety Mitra is an individual who is duly trained by FSSAI to undertake the task on the behalf of food business operators i.e. FBOs with respect to the inculcation of the FSS Act, Rules, and Regulations. The food safety Mitra is bifurcated into 3 important categories.

• Digital Mitra
• Trainer Mitra
• Hygiene Mitra

Eligibility Criteria related to Digital Mitra

The age of the applicant should fall within 21 to 60 years.

The applicant must have a graduation degree from a certified university.

The applicant should possessskills regarding the usages of PC and the internet. 

Eligibility Criteria related to Trainer Mitra

A person with different educational background must have a minimum experience of 7 years in sectors such as milk, fish, m

Eligibility Criteria related to the Hygiene Mitra

• The permissible age limit for the applicant is 21-60 years.
• The applicant must possess a graduation degree in Catering Technology, Hotel Management, microbiology, Dairy, Agricultural Sciences, Oil Technology, Bio-Technology, Veterinary Sciences, Food, Biochemistry^[1].
• The applicant should be aware of FSSAI rules and regulations.

Activities to be performed by Food Safety Mitra

The roles and accountabilities of the Food Safety Mitra are as follow:

Digital Mitra

• Online filing of new web forms related to licensing.
• Online application filing regarding the ratification of registration or license.
• Online filing related to annual returns.
• Online applications filling for validation of label/product/advertisement Claim.
• Online appeal filing regarding the revocation or suspension of registration.

Trainer Mitra

• To organize training within Eat Right Campuses
• To organizetraining for the food safety supervisors
• To organizeon-demand training for the food safety personnel engage in food businesses.

Hygiene Mitra

• Probing hygiene of FBOoutlets against the pre-determined guidelines.
• Assisting FBO in regards to the hygiene guidelines’ implementation.
• Conducting food safety training for food safety supervisors and food handlers to advocate safe food handling practices.

Service Chargeobtained by the Food Safety Mitra from FBOs

The table below manifests the charges to be obtained by the food safety Mitra

Online Application Procedure to be followed by the applicant for Food Safety Mitra Scheme

The applicant must follow the given instructions to apply for Food Safety Mitra Scheme

Step 1: Visit the online portal of FSSAI.

Step 2: Tap on the “Apply Online” link present in the home window.

Step 3: Now, complete the web-based form with information related to personal details, qualification details, contact details, etc.

Step 4: After filling the web-based form, go through the terms and conditions & click on the “Agree” button.

Step 5: Tap on the  “Register Yourself” button to wrap up the registration process.

Issuance of Food Safety Mitra Certificate

Post-approval of the application, the applicant will undergo the online training and be bound to appear for CBT at the specified test centres. After the assessment’s completion, the authority will bestow the certificate that comes with the validity of two years.

Cancellation of Food Safety Mitra Certification

During the commencement of certification tenure, the FSSAI will collect adeposit of Rs.5000 from the FSM as security. This security is refundable in case the applicant opts to exit from the scheme for any reason.

Conclusion

With Food Safety Mitra, FSSAI is striving to create an ecosystem of registered individuals for helping FBOs with licensing and other key requisites. Apart from that, they will also participate in training and auditing hygiene at several educational campuses and institutions.

Read our article:What is Food Safety Mitra (FSM)?