The state governments are in the process of appointing functionaries like food safety officers, designated officers, adjudicating officers etc under the Act. They are also expected to constitute appellate tribunals and strengthen laboratories.

The Food Safety and Standards Act came into force on 5 August 2011.

Gaur said the FSSAI has projected fund requirements for the 12th Plan under various heads and that the state governments and UT administrations will be called upon to implement schemes, viz, e-governance, awareness generation, trainings and laboratory strengthening etc.

He said there would be special focus on food safety plans at the level of local bodies and panchayat.

While a Food Safety Helpline (toll-free 1800112100) has become operational at the national level, Gaur said, similar structure is desirable at state government/UT's.

However, the most challenging part is registration of food vendors and operators, for which regulations are required to be issued while at the same time the registering authority must be within easy reach of the food business operators, Gaur pointed out.