Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Food safety in India is regulated by a central authority established to consolidate various food laws and establish science-based standards for food manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale.
Detailed Explanation:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidated several older laws like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.
Although the enabling Act was passed in 2006, the FSSAI was formally established and gazetted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in 2008 (specifically in September 2008).
The executive authority and structured administrative rules were subsequently implemented, with full operational enforcement beginning in 2011.
In competitive examinations, the year of formation is recognized as 2008, while 2006 is recognized as the year the Food Safety and Standards Act was passed.
Step 2: Final Answer:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was formed in the year 2008.