Food Safety Mitra: A Comprehensive Guide to Roles and Registration

Understanding Food Safety Mitra

Food Safety Mitra (FSM) is a certified professional authorized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). FSMs undertake specific actions on behalf of Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure compliance with the FSS Act, Rules, and Regulations. There are three categories of Food Safety Mitra: Digital Mitra, Trainer Mitra, and Hygiene Mitra.

Types of Food Safety Mitra

Digital Mitra

To qualify as a Digital Mitra, an individual must hold a bachelor’s degree and be between the ages of 21 and 60. Additionally, they should possess working knowledge of computers and the internet. The responsibilities of a Digital Mitra include:

• Filing new applications for Licenses/Registrations.
• Submitting applications for modifications to Licenses/Registrations.
• Filing Annual Returns/Declarations.
• Responding online to queries raised by Authorities.
• Filing appeals for the revocation of Suspended Licenses/Registrations.

Trainer Mitra

A Trainer Mitra must have a bachelor’s degree in Science, Food Technology, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or relevant fields. Individuals with degrees in other disciplines may qualify if they possess a minimum of five years of experience in the food industry and are knowledgeable about FSS Rules and Regulations. Trainer Mitras are responsible for:

• Conducting training sessions for Food Safety Supervisors.
• Leading training at Eat Right Campuses.
• Delivering training for Food Safety Personnel at businesses on request.

Hygiene Mitra

To become a Hygiene Mitra, an individual should have a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Biochemistry, Agricultural Sciences, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Hotel Management, Catering Technology, Food, Dairy, Oil Technology, Fisheries, or Veterinary Sciences, along with an understanding of the FSS Act, Rules, and Regulations. The roles of a Hygiene Mitra include:

• Auditing hygiene practices at FBO outlets.
• Assisting FBOs in implementing hygiene guidelines.
• Training food handlers and food safety supervisors on safe and hygienic food handling practices.

Registration Process for Food Safety Mitra

1. Register online at the Food Safety Mitra portal: mitra.fssai.gov.in.
2. Complete an online training program.
3. After training, candidates must pass an Online Assessment Exam (100 marks), securing a minimum of 75 marks to pass.
4. Upon passing the exam, a security deposit of ₹5,000 must be paid.
5. Following the payment, the department will issue a certificate.
6. The FSM Certificate is valid for 2 years.

Renewal of FSM Certificate

To renew the FSM Certificate, candidates should:

• Apply online at the Food Safety Mitra Portal: mitra.fssai.gov.in.
• Submit renewal applications within six months before or up to six months after the expiration date of the FSM Certificate.
• If the application is not submitted within six months post-expiration, a fresh certificate application will be required.

Candidates wishing to exit the FSM Scheme can request the withdrawal of their FSM Certificate and Security Deposit online through the FSM Portal.

Fees for FSM Certificate Registration

• FSM Certificate Registration Fee: ₹500.
• FSM Security Deposit: ₹5,000 (refundable upon withdrawal from the scheme).

This structured insight into the Food Safety Mitra framework provides clarity for individuals interested in participating in this essential program promoting food safety and hygiene.