Section 18(2) in The Food Safety And Standards Act, 2006
(2)The Food Authority shall, while framing regulations or specifying standards under this Act-(a)take into account-(i)prevalent practices and conditions in the country including agricultural practices and handling, storage and transport conditions; and(ii)international standards and practices, where international standards or practices exist or are in the process of being formulated,unless it is of opinion that taking into account of such prevalent practices and conditions or international standards or practices or any particular part thereof would not be an effective or appropriate means for securing the objectives of such regulations or where there is a scientific justification or where they would result in a different level of protection from the one determined as appropriate in the country;(b)determine food standards on the basis of risk analysis except where it is of opinion that such analysis is not appropriate to the circumstances or the nature of the case;(c)undertake risk assessment based on the available scientific evidence and in an independent, objective and transparent manner;(d)ensure that there is open and transparent public consultation, directly or through representative bodies including all levels of panchayats, during the preparation, evaluation and revision of regulations, except where it is of opinion that there is an urgency concerning food safety or public health to make or amend the regulations in which case such consultation may be dispensed with:Provided that such regulations shall be in force for not more than six months.(e)ensure protection of the interests of consumers and shall provide a basis for consumers to make informed choices in relation to the foods they consume,(f)ensure prevention of-(i)fraudulent, deceptive or unfair trade practices which may mislead or harm the consumer; and(ii)unsafe or contaminated or sub-standard food.
