corporate law

Published on 10 April 2025

Understanding the Food Safety Mitra Scheme: Roles, Registration, and Impact

Introduction

The Food Safety Mitra (FSM) scheme, initiated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), acts as a gap between the food business operators (FBOs) and regulatory needs of compliance. Through enabling the youth with technical training and certification, the scheme enhances the level of food safety across India while providing job opportunities in the food and nutrition sector to youth professionals.

What is a Food Safety Mitra?

A Food Safety Mitra is a trained and FSSAI-certified individual who assists FBOs with the compliance of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act) and the associated rules and regulations. FSMs can undertake crucial roles such as:

  • Facilitating licensing and registration
  • Conducting hygiene audits
  • Providing training to food handlers and supervisors

This programme is especially critical for medium and small-sized food businesses to ensure the perpetuity of food safety standards.

Types of Food Safety Mitra

There are three groups within the FSM program, as marked by the kind of eligibility requirement, purpose, and accountability:

1. Digital Mitra

Eligibility & Skills:

  • Age: between 21-60 years
  • Education: bachelor's degree from an approved university
  • Skills: experience of working with the computer and internet surfing

Principal Tasks:

  • Filing application for FSSAI registration and licenses
  • Making alterations in current licenses
  • Filing return and declaration every year to remain compliant
  • Resolving regulatory queries online
  • Appealing against revoked licenses
  • Assisting in product, label, and ad claims
  • Maintaining electronic records to enable audits and traceability

Example: One Digital Mitra in Pune facilitated a local sweets manufacturer to procure FSSAI registration promptly and submit annual returns, allowing unhindered operations in peak seasons.

2. Trainer Mitra

Eligibility & Skills:

  • Education: Bachelor degree in Science, Food Technology, or allied disciplines
  • Alternative: Graduate degree in any stream with at least five years' experience in the food industry and clear knowledge of FSSAI regulations
  • Additional: Strong communication and motivational skills; inclination to work for training minimum 20 days per year

Key Responsibilities:

  • Organizing training sessions for Food Safety Supervisors as part of FOSTAC programs
  • Guiding training in Eat Right Campuses, which include schools and businesses
  • Customizing training for food safety personnel at businesses
  • Development of training modules for industry groups
  • Following up on training results for improvement

Example: Trainer Mitra in Bengaluru offered training to a big hospital that significantly enhanced food hygiene habits, reducing risks of foodborne disease.

3. Hygiene Mitra

Eligibility & Skills:

  • Age: 21–60 years
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Veterinary Sciences
  • Additional: In-depth understanding of FSSAI guidelines, principles of hygiene, hazard identification, and allergen management

Key Responsibilities:

  • Hygiene audits according to FSSAI standards
  • Adoption of hygiene practices by FBOs
  • Food handler training in food safety
  • Identification and control of sector-specific food safety hazards
  • Assisting FBOs in scoring better hygiene grades

Example: A Hygiene Mitra in Lucknow collaborated with a school canteen chain to enhance kitchen cleanliness, resulting in improved FSSAI hygiene ratings and more secure food for students.

FSM Registration Process: Step-by-Step

Making online registration to be a Food Safety Mitra open and accessible:

  1. Online Registration:
  • Visit the FSM portal website (mitra.fssai.gov.in) and submit the application form with details of personal information, education, and professional information.

  1. Payment of Registration Fee:

    • Pay a ₹500 non-returnable registration fee to advance towards the training and evaluation stage.

  2. Online Training:

  • Complete the online training modules relevant to the selected FSM category.
  1. Online Assessment Exam:
  • Take a 100-mark online examination, which has to be passed at least 75 to be qualified. Failed test-takers are required to re-register and undergo additional training prior to re-sitting the test.
  1. Security Deposit:
  • On clearing the test, pay a refundable security of ₹5,000, refundable in case of withdrawal of the scheme.
  1. Certification:
  • Once approved by regional offices, download your FSM certificate, which holds good for two years. The Food Safety Mitra scheme plays a major role in food safety compliance in India by training and certifying individuals who support food businesses. By having knowledge of Food Safety Mitra categories and the registration process, potential candidates can ensure food safety while generating employment opportunities within the industry.