Notification details

What the board said

With reference to Advertisement No. MHRB/55/FSO/2023/2041 dated 31.10.2023, the Secretary of the board informed all concerned that the syllabus for the written test has been uploaded on the official website. The schedule of the written test will be notified later.

Part A: General papers

Part B: Technical paper

Unit 1: Food laws

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: provisions, definitions, sections and implementation
• FSS Rules and Regulations
• International food control systems, laws, standards and guidelines: Codex Alimentarius Commission and its expert committees (JECFA, JMPR, JEMRA, JEMNU), the TBT Agreement and the SPS Agreement

Unit 2: FSSAI, its role, functions and initiatives

• Genesis and evolution of FSSAI; structure and function of the Food Authority
• Systems and processes in standards, enforcement, laboratory ecosystem, imports and third-party audit
• Promoting safe and wholesome food: Eat Right India, food fortification, Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF), Clean Street Food Hub, RUCO and other behaviour change initiatives
• Training and capacity building; role of State Food Authorities

Unit 3: Food preservation, processing and packaging

• Food processing operations, principles and Good Manufacturing Practices
• Food preservation methods and principles, including novel and emerging methods
• Food packaging methods and principles, including novel packaging materials and techniques

Unit 4: Food chemistry and human nutrition

• Structure, functions and role of macro- and micronutrients in nutrition
• Food additives and their technological functions
• Anti-nutritional factors and their removal
• Enzymes as food processing aids
• Contaminants and adulterants and their effects on health
• Food allergens and allergenicity; bioactive food components
• Role of diet in reducing health risks, especially non-communicable diseases

Unit 5: Food microbiology and hygiene

• General principles of food microbiology; food-borne pathogens
• Sources of microorganisms in the food chain (raw materials, water, air, equipment) and microbiological quality of foods
• Microbial food spoilage and food-borne disease
• Principles and techniques of microbiological examination of food
• Beneficial microorganisms in food processing and nutrition
• Food safety management systems: traceability, recall, sanitation, HACCP, GMP, GAP, GHP, GLP and similar practices

Unit 6: Food analysis and testing

• Field-level and laboratory sampling, with the importance of statistical tools
• Basic and classical methods of food analysis
• Modern analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry and molecular techniques
• Quality assurance and quality control in food analysis and testing

Note: The topics above are compiled from the standard Assam FSO syllabus structure. The official PDF on nhm.assam.gov.in is the final authority for this recruitment.

Exam pattern (as followed in earlier FSO tests)

• Mode: OMR-based, multiple choice questions
• Duration: 120 minutes
• Negative marking: 0.25 mark deducted for each wrong answer

The pattern for this test may differ. Please confirm it in the official syllabus document.

Preparation tips

• Give most of your time to Part B, which carries the most marks. Start with the FSS Act, 2006 and its rules.
• Read the FSSAI website for its initiatives and recent regulations.
• Practise MCQs on microbiology, additives and sampling methods.
• Follow current affairs for Part A.

How to download the syllabus

• Open the official website nhm.assam.gov.in.
• Go to the Recruitment or Notice section for the Medical and Health Recruitment Board.
• Find the notice for Food Safety Officer, Advt. No. MHRB/55/FSO/2023/2041.
• Open the syllabus link and download the PDF.
• Save a copy and check for later notices on the test date and admit card.

Important links

Frequently asked questions