A food inspector has an indispensable role in safeguarding public health by maintaining food safety standards. By working under the Food Safety And Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) they ensure regulatory compliance and to prevent foodborne illnesses caused by contamination.
This article aims to provide an in-depth discussion of the food inspector salary in India, including important factors affecting salaries such as experience, location and the employment sector (government or private sector). Read on to learn how much you can expect to earn as a food inspector in India.
Who Is A Food Inspector?
Are you an aspirant curious to know about the roles and responsibilities of a food inspector? If yes, this article can be a helpful guide for you. A food inspector is a government official who is primarily tasked with supervising preparation of food, processing units, restaurants and storage facilities. As a food inspector, you will be working to ensure that the food products sold to consumers comply with the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006.
These inspectors have major responsibility in maintaining public health and safety along with quality assurance of food items being sold to customers.
Key Responsibilities:
Ensuring regulatory compliance
Licensing and registration
Monitoring production process to ensure that safety standards are followed
Collecting and testing laboratory samples to check if the food is contaminated
Addressing consumer complaints related to food safety
Recording findings and drafting reports.
Private sector Food Inspector Salary: What to Expect?
Food inspectors or equivalent roles in private companies (such as quality assurance managers or food safety executives) receive salaries which vary with experience level, ranking and employment location. For a food inspector with up to 11 years of experience the average annual salary will be around Rs. 1.5 lakh - Rs. 10 lakhs.
(Salary Source: Ambitionbox)
Food Inspector Salary Based On Experience
It is important for aspirants to understand how food inspector salary progresses as the professionals gain more experience and exposure over the time in the field. Here, the table below highlights food inspector salary structure based on different levels of experience.
Experience | Average Annual Salary |
1 year | Rs 1.5 Lakh - 3.2 Lakhs |
2 years | Rs 2.1 Lakhs - 5.7 Lakhs |
3 years | Rs 2 Lakhs - 5.7 Lakhs |
4 years | Rs 3 Lakhs - 4.2 Lakhs |
5 years | Rs 1.5 Lakh - 1.5 Lakh |
6 years | Rs 0.9 Lakh - 19 Lakhs |
(Salary Source: Ambitionbox)
Food Inspector Salary Based on Location
The salary of a food inspector can vary significantly by the job location. Depending on the cost of living and the nature of the organisation the annual salary range of a food inspector differs.
Location | Average Annual Salary |
Bangalore / Bengaluru | Rs 2.2 Lakhs - 19 Lakhs |
Mumbai | Rs 1.7 Lakh - 6 Lakhs |
Kolkata | Rs 2.1 Lakhs - 5.4 Lakhs |
Pune | Rs 1.5 Lakh - 7 Lakhs |
New Delhi | Rs 1.8 Lakh - 3.7 Lakhs |
Chennai | Rs 3.4 Lakhs - 9.2 Lakhs |
Hyderabad | Rs 2.9 Lakhs - 3.7 Lakhs |
(Salary source: Ambitionbox)
Government Food Inspector Salary: As per 7th CPC Pay Scale
In the government sector, food inspector salary is generally outlined by the 7th Central Pay Commission. This salary includes various allowances including; Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) and sometimes Transport Allowance (TA) as well.
Post | Recruiting Body | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
Food Safety officer | State government(PSCs like UPPSC, RPSC etc) | Level 6 (or state equivalent) | Rs 35,400 |
Central Food Safety Officer(CFSO) | FSSAI (Central Government) | Level 7 | Rs 44,900 |
Technical officer | FSSAI (Central Government) | Level 7 | Rs 44,900 |
Perks and Benefits for Government Food Inspectors
Apart from the basic pay, food inspectors in the government positions enjoy several benefits and perks such as:
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Transport Allowance (TA)
Pension
The average salary range of a food inspector can vary according to the experience level, employment location, type of organisation they work in and the sector (private or government). If you aspire to be a food inspector in the government sector, you can appear for exams like the FSSAI Recruitment Exam and the State Public Service Commission exams. With the right educational path and preparation, you can also become a successful and qualified food inspector in India.
You may also check: Food Inspector Qualification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most government salaries are based on the 7th Pay Commission. For an entry level FSSAI food safety officer/technical inspector position the basic pay as defined by the 7th Pay Commission is Rs. 44,900. After years of service this basic pay can increase up to Rs.1,42,400.
Some of the major food inspector exams include:
FSSAI Recruitment exam for posts like Central Food Safety Officer and Technical Officer
State Public Service Commission (SPSC) conducted by various states. For example, MPPS Food Safety Officer Exam (Madhya Pradesh), TSPSC Food Safety Officer Exam (Telangana), UPPSC Food Safety Officer Exam (Uttar Pradesh) and more.
A bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines such as food technology, biotechnology, Microbiology, Oil Technology or Chemistry is a basic and mandatory educational requirement to become a food inspector in India.
Senior positions in the FSSAI for food inspectors can reach higher pay levels like pay level 13, 13A or 14. Corresponding salary for these pay levels include:
Pay level 13: Rs 1,23,100 - Rs. 2,15,900
Pay level 13A: Rs 1,31,100 - Rs. 2,16,600
Pay level 14: Rs. 1,44,200 - Rs. 2,18,200
(Source: Pay Matrix: Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure Resolution)
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Detailed Syllabus:
General Studies:
The paper of General Studies will include question on the following topics:
1. General Science
Question on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding of Science, including matters of everyday observation and experience, as may be expected of a well educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific discipline.
2. Current Events of National and International Importance.
Happening around the world.
3. History of India.
In History of India emphasis should be on broad understanding of economic, Social, Cultural and Political aspects of Indian History.
4. Indian National Movement.
In Indian National Movement, the candidates are expected to have a synoptic view of the nature and character of the Indian freedom movement, growth of nationalism and attainment of independence.
5. Indian Polity and Economy.
In Indian Polity and Economy questions will test knowledge of the candidate pertaining to Indian Polity including the Indian Constitution, Panchayati Raj and community Development, broad features of Indian economy and planning.
6. World Geography and Population.
In world Geography and population, only General understanding of the subject will be expected with emphasis on physical/ecological, economic and socio-demographic aspects of Geography of India. Candidates are expected to have general awareness about the above topics with special reference to Uttar Pradesh.
Main Subject:
1. Definition and standards of Food quality
Proximate analysis of Foods, Fat, Protein, Carbohydrate, Vitamins, Minerals Fibres and Water, Human Nutrition, Major and Minor Nutrients and their role, Deficiency Diseases.
2. Fruits, Vegetables and Plantation products:
Definition, Classification, Juices, Pulps, Powder & Extracts, Squash, Cordials, RTS_Beverages etc., Jam, Jellies & Marmalades, Puree, Paste and Concentrates. Ketchups, Sauce & Pickles, Still & Carbonated Beverages. Tea, Coffee and Chocolates, Spices, Quality tests of above food products.
3. Cereals, Pulses and Oil-Seed products:
Definition and Classification of wheat, Rice, Pulses & Oil seed products. Flour, Bread, Biscuits, Cake and other Baked Items. Dehulled legume-Pulses. Vegetable Oil- Refined & Hydrogenerated etc.
4. Animal Food Products:
Fluid Milk and its various kinds. Concentrated and dried milk Products, Fermented Milk Foods, Cream, Ice-Cream, Butter, Chees, Milk Adulterants and its detection. Meat, Fish, Poultry and Egg Products and their quality Control.
5. Food Additives:
Chemical Preservation and assessment of excess use of preservatives & Chemicals, Food Colours, Poisonous metals, Anti Oxidants, Food Flavors, Insecticides & Pesticides, Irradiated Foods. Fierobiological quality of Foods, Food safety, Food Sanitation and Hygeine. PFA, FPO, BIS and AGMARK Specifications of various types of Food and Food Products.