About FSO Directory

Centralising public data on Food Safety Officers, Designated Officers, and accredited labs – from RTI, government gazettes, and verified sources.

FSO Directory is a citizen‑driven initiative to bring transparency and accessibility to India’s food safety regulatory ecosystem. We collect, verify, and publish data about Central & State Designated Officers (DOs), Food Safety Officers (FSOs), and government & private NABL‑accredited food testing laboratories.

Food safety is a shared responsibility. But often, citizens, food business operators (FBOs), and even researchers struggle to find accurate contact details of the right officer or the nearest authorised lab. Our directory bridges that gap.

📌 What Data Do We Provide?
  • Designated Officers (DO) – District‑wise, with official address, phone, email, jurisdiction.
  • Food Safety Officers (FSO) – Assigned areas / zones, contact details (where public).
  • Government & Private Labs – NABL accreditation status, testing scope, fee structure, and location.
  • Legal / RTI references – Source notifications, FSSAI orders, and RTI replies that back our data.
🔍 How Do We Collect Information?

Our team uses multiple public‑interest methods: RTI applications to state food safety departments, annual reports, FSSAI’s official disclosures, state gazette notifications, and direct verification from officers (where permitted). We also aggregate data from reliable open sources and collaborate with food safety activists and retired officials.

🎯 Why Does This Matter?

Without a central directory, an FBO may waste weeks contacting the wrong office. A consumer with a grievance might not know which FSO to approach. Labs that are fully capable remain underutilised because no one knows they exist. By making this data freely available, we empower:

  • Food businesses – to quickly reach the right DO for licenses or renewals.
  • Consumers – to file complaints with the correct FSO.
  • Researchers & journalists – to analyse gaps in food safety enforcement.
  • Labs – to gain visibility and increase utilisation.
🛡️ Our Commitment to Accuracy & Privacy

We only publish information that is already in the public domain or obtained lawfully under the RTI Act. We do not include personal mobile numbers or residential addresses of officers unless officially disclosed. Every entry mentions the source and last verification date. If you find an error, we provide a quick correction mechanism.

Since launch, our directory has served over 25,000+ unique visitors – including food safety officers themselves who use it to coordinate with peers. We are constantly expanding to cover all states and union territories.

Join us in making food safety information open and accessible. If you have data updates, new lab information, or want to collaborate, please reach out via the contact page.

— Team FSO Directory, est. 2025 —

📄 15,000+ entries
📑 500+ RTI applications
🌍 28 States & 8 UTs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A Designated Officer (DO) is appointed for each district under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. They have overall supervisory powers, licensing authority, and can sanction prosecutions. Food Safety Officers (FSO) work under the DO, conduct inspections, collect samples, and enforce daily food safety compliance. Our directory lists both with their official jurisdictions.

We review and refresh the directory every 3 months. Critical updates (e.g., transfer of officers, new lab accreditation) are added within 2 weeks of receiving official notification or verified RTI response. Each entry shows the last verification date.

Yes, we list both government food testing labs and NABL-accredited private labs. For private labs, we provide contact info, scope of testing (e.g., pesticide residues, microbiological parameters), and approximate fee ranges (collected from RTI or lab brochures). However, we advise users to confirm current fees directly.

Absolutely. Use our “Request Data” form (available on the Contact page). We will prioritise filing RTI applications for that region. Community contributions are also welcome.

The data we present is derived from publicly available government sources or RTI responses. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend cross‑checking with the respective department for official purposes. Our directory is a reference tool, not a legal document.

You can click the “Suggest Edit” button next to any listing or email us at update@fsodirectory.in. Please provide the correct information along with an official source (gazette, order copy, or website link). We will verify and update within 5 working days.

Yes, our Central DO/FSO directory covers officers under the Central Licensing Authority (for FBOs operating in multiple states or large enterprises). We also include regional FSSAI office contacts.

Absolutely. FSO Directory is completely free for all users – citizens, food businesses, researchers, and government officials. No registration or payment is required to search the directory or download contact lists.

Yes. The Designated Officer is the appropriate authority for issuing and renewing licenses at the district level (except for central licenses). Our directory provides their official office phone and address. However, we encourage FBOs to first use the FOSCOS online portal – the DO’s office can assist if technical issues arise.

You can contribute by sharing updated data, filing RTIs in your district on our behalf (we provide templates), or donating for server costs. Write to support@fsodirectory.in for partnership discussions. Every contribution helps keep the directory alive and accurate.