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Chapter VII - Enforcement of the Act

Section 36

Section 36: Designated Officer

The Commissioner appoints a Designated Officer for district food-safety administration.

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This article is for general information. Refer to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.

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Statutory text

Bare law

The Commissioner of Food Safety shall, by order, appoint the Designated Officer, who shall not be below the rank of a Sub-Divisional Officer, to be in-charge of food safety administration in such area as may be specified by regulations.

(2) There shall be a Designated Officer for each district.

(3) The functions to be performed by the Designated Officer shall be as follows, namely:— (a) to issue or cancel licence of food business operators; (b) to prohibit the sale of any article of food which is in contravention of the provisions of this Act and rules and regulations made thereunder; (c) to receive report and samples of article of foods from Food Safety Officer under his jurisdiction and get them analysed; (d) to make recommendations to the Commissioner of Food Safety for sanction to launch prosecutions in case of contraventions punishable with imprisonment; (e) to sanction or launch prosecutions in cases of contraventions punishable with fine; (f) to maintain record of all inspections made by Food Safety Officers and action taken by them in the performance of their duties; (g) to get investigated any complaint which may be made in writing in respect of any contravention of the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations made thereunder; (h) to investigate any complaint which may be made in writing against the Food Safety Officer; and (i) to perform such other duties as may be entrusted by the Commissioner of Food Safety.

Key takeaways

1

Core rule

The Commissioner appoints a Designated Officer for district food-safety administration.

2

Practical check

Check the appointment order, district or area and the relevant function; different decisions in this chain belong to different officers.

Scope and operation

The officer must meet the minimum rank condition and performs listed functions including licence decisions, sale prohibition, report receipt and prosecution decisions.

Applying the section

Check the appointment order, district or area and the relevant function; different decisions in this chain belong to different officers.

Official sources

Read the consolidated Act with the enacted and commenced amendments applicable to this section.

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Last updated 10 October 2026