Chapter IX - Offences and Penalties
Section 62
Section 62: impersonating or threatening a Food Safety Officer
After the 2026 amendment, section 62 addresses impersonating, threatening, intimidating or assaulting a Food Safety Officer in the exercise of functions under the Act.
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Need advice on Section 62?
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.
Statutory text
Bare law
If a person without reasonable excuse, impersonates, threatens, intimidates or assaults a Food Safety Officer in exercising his functions under this Act, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months and also with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.
Introduction
Jan Vishwas 2026 serial 62 removed the older words about resisting, obstructing or attempting to obstruct from this provision with effect from 1 October 2026. The remaining punishment is imprisonment up to three months and a fine up to ₹1 lakh.
The section still requires attention to the actor's conduct, the officer's functions and the statutory wording. Other legal provisions may separately address interference with official duties; this guide only describes section 62.
Key takeaways
Current verbs are narrower
The amended section names impersonation, threat, intimidation and assault. Do not present the deleted resistance/obstruction phrase as current section 62 text.
Officer's functions matter
The conduct must concern a Food Safety Officer exercising functions under the FSS Act.
Punishment ceiling
The provision retains imprisonment up to three months and fine up to ₹1 lakh.
Identify the alleged conduct
Separate allegations of impersonation, threat, intimidation or assault and preserve contemporaneous records or witness accounts.
Check official capacity
Confirm the person's identity and whether the Food Safety Officer was exercising functions under the Act at the relevant time.
Use the amended wording
For events on or after 1 October 2026, compare the allegation with the substituted 2026 text; older reproductions list removed words.
Official sources
Read the consolidated Act with the enacted and commenced amendments applicable to this section.
Practical checklist
Do
- Train staff to cooperate professionally with officers.
- Record inspection visits and communications accurately.
- Seek advice immediately after a serious allegation.
Avoid
- Do not cite deleted obstruction words as current section 62 conduct.
- Do not infer guilt from a disagreement over a notice alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does the old obstruction phrase remain in section 62?
No. Jan Vishwas 2026 substituted the phrase and removed those words from section 62 effective 1 October 2026.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 9 October 2026