OSSC Food Safety Officer Syllabus 2026, Check Exam Pattern

The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) has prescribed a detailed syllabus and exam pattern for the Food Safety Officer (FSO) post under the CGLRE Specialist Recruitment @www.ossc.gov.in. Candidates preparing for the examination must understand the latest OSSC Food Safety Officer Syllabus 2026 to prepare effectively for both the Preliminary Examination and the Main Written Examination.

The OSSC FSO syllabus mainly focuses on Food Safety Standards, Acts, Rules & Regulations, Chemistry, and basic computer proficiency. Along with the syllabus, candidates should also be familiar with the latest exam pattern, marking scheme, and selection stages.

OSSC Food Safety Officer Syllabus 2026

The OSSC FSO 2026 selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Written Examination with Computer Skill Test, and Certificate Verification. The final merit list is prepared purely on the basis of marks secured in the Main Written Examination (Technical Paper).

OSSC Food Safety Officer Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination is conducted to shortlist candidates for the Main Written Examination. Candidates numbering five times the category-wise vacancies are shortlisted based on their marks in this stage. The detailed OSSC FSO Preliminary Exam Pattern is provided below.

OSSC Food Safety Officer Mains Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates shortlisted from the Preliminary Examination appear for the Main Written Examination, which is technical in nature and carries the highest importance in the final selection. The Technical Paper mainly covers Food Safety Standards, Acts, Rules & Regulations and Chemistry.

OSSC Food Safety Officer Detailed Syllabus

The OSSC Food Safety Officer Syllabus 2026 for the Main Written Examination is divided into two major sections:

• Food Safety Standards, Act, Rules & Regulations
• Chemistry

Candidates should prepare every topic thoroughly because the final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the Technical Paper.

Food Safety Standards, Act, Rules & Regulations

This section evaluates candidates’ understanding of food laws, food quality standards, licensing procedures, hygienic practices, and food business regulations. The important topics included in this section are listed below.

• Food: Definition
• Food additives and processing aid
• Contaminants, toxic substances, and heavy metals
• Pest control
• Antibiotic residues and microbiological control
• Genetically modified foods
• Organic foods, functional foods, and proprietary foods
• Packaging and labelling of foods
• Restriction on advertisements and unfair trade practices
• Responsibilities of Food Business Operators (FBOs)
• Liability of manufacturers, packers, wholesalers, distributors, and sellers
• Food recall procedures
• Licensing and registration of food businesses
• Hygienic and sanitary practices by FBOs
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• Good Hygienic Practice (GHP)
• Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP)
• Personal hygiene
• Water pollution
• Potable water and purification methods
• Food and water-borne diseases

Chemistry

The Chemistry section focuses on food chemistry, nutrients, enzymes, food spoilage, preservation methods, and analytical values used in food science. Candidates should thoroughly study the following topics.

• Carbohydrates: Definition, classification, properties, and significance
• Proteins and lipids: Definition, classification, properties, and significance
• Essential and non-essential amino acids
• Vitamins: Fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, their sources, properties, and significance
• Enzymes: Definition, classification, properties, and co-enzymes
• Chemical components of foods
  Micronutrients and macronutrients with dietary sources
• Nutritional deficiency disorders
• Acid value, iodine value, and saponification value of lipids
• Food spoilage and microorganisms
• Factors affecting food spoilage and control measures
• Food poisoning: Bacterial, fungal, and algal
• Food preservation methods
• Storage methods
• Physical and chemical preservation techniques
• Fermentation of food items
• Production of cheese, yoghurt, bread, etc.

OSSC Food Safety Officer Computer Skill Test

Along with the Main Written Examination, candidates must also qualify the Computer Skill Test. The Computer Skill Test is qualifying in nature, and candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by OSSC.

OSSC FSO Computer Skill Test Syllabus

Candidates appearing for the Computer Skill Test should prepare basic computer applications and internet-related topics. The indicative syllabus for the Computer Skill Test is provided below.

• Computer Fundamentals
• MS Windows
• Office Software
• Word Processing (MS Word)
• Spreadsheet (MS Excel)
• Presentation Software (MS PowerPoint)
• Database (MS Access)
• Usage of the Internet
• Internet Services
• Basic Networking Concepts
• Communication Technology