Food-safety sampling requires FSSAI authorisation, while Customs retains separate powers for revenue, classification and import-compliance purposes.
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....Writ jurisdiction may be invoked despite an alternative review remedy where the challenge concerns the statutory competence of the officer conducting food-safety sampling, rather than laboratory findings. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act and the import regulations, the notified FSSAI Authorised Officer has exclusive authority to take samples for food-safety purposes at the relevant port; a report based on unauthorised sampling cannot support adverse action against an importer. The FSS Act's overriding provision applies to food safety, standards and adulteration, but does not remove Customs powers to take separate samples for classification, valuation, duty, misdeclaration or trade-policy compliance. Fresh food-safety sampling must proceed through the FSSAI Authorised Officer.....
TaxTMI