Port Health Officers under FSSA, 2006

The following Public Notice was issued by the Commissioner of Customs (Import) Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House on 8th September 2010.

[Customs Public Notice No. 89 dated 8th September 2010]

Food safety and Standards Authority of India has been established under the provisions of Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 as a statutory body for laying down science based standards for articles of food so as to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. Under the Food Safety and Standard Act, the Authority has a mandate of ensuring safety of foods items imported into the country also.

Food Safety and Standards ACT, 2006 mandates appointment of Authorized Officers for the imported food clearance process. The functions of the Authorized Officer will inter-alia include the existing functions of the Port Health Officer under PFA Act, 1954 with respect to imported food clearance process, in co-ordination with the Customs Department.

Accordingly, the competent authority has notified Dr. S.K. Halder, Senior Marketing Officer and Shri Ais Kumar, Deputy Director (Current Charge) as Authorized Officers for the jurisdiction of Mumbai Sea Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Nhava Sheva respectively for imported food clearance process w.e.f. 1st Septemeber, 2010 till further orders. However, the actual process of clearance of imported food items by FSSAI’s Authorized Officers is getting started w.e.f. 13th September, 2010. (Copy of office order dt. 20.08.2010 issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Enclosed ) The address and contact details of Authorized Officers are given below:

Dr. S. K. Halder Authorized Officer (Mumbai Sea Port)	Shri Ais Kumar Authorized Officer (JNPT, Nhava Sheva)
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, C/o Directorate of Marketing and Inspection 3rd Floor, B-Wing, New CGO Building, New Marine Lines, Mumbai – 400 020. Tel-022-22032699 Mobile No.09869427663	Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Regional Office – Western Region, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt.of India, Old CGO Building, 101, M.K.Marg, New Marine Lines, Mumbai – 400 020, Maharashtra. Tel-fax 022-022036801 Mobile No.09892319964

During the absence or leave period of one Authorized Officer, the other Authorized Officer will discharge the functions of Authorized Officer for that port for imported food clearance process. For any matter related to imported food clearance process the above mentioned officers may be contacted in place of the Port Health Officer.

The members of the trade/importer as well as the officers are required to take note of the change in the authorized person for clearance of imported food clearance and accordingly obtain necessary no objection for clearance of imported Food Stuff.

Any difficulty noticed in the implementation of this Public Notice may be brought to the notice of the undersigned.

F.NO. S/22-GEN- 238/2010 AM (I)