Select the option that is true regarding the following two statements labelled Assertion and Reason. Assertion (A): Introducing the FSSA (2006) has been a major paradigm shift from food safety in the marketplace to food safety along the supply chain from farm to table. Reason (R): The PFA Act (1954) had focused only on a part of food control by checking the end product for adulteration.

Correct option is A

Assertion (A) is true.
The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006 was introduced to consolidate various food laws and to shift the focus of food regulation from just marketplace checks to a comprehensive food safety system covering the entire food chain – from farm to fork (or table).
This means safety is ensured not just at the point of sale, but throughout production, processing, storage, distribution, and retail.
The FSSA, 2006 emphasizes a preventive and risk-based approach, aligning with global practices such as Codex guidelines and HACCP principles.
Reason (R) is also true.
The earlier Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 focused largely on detecting adulteration in the final product at the point of sale.
It was reactive in nature, meaning action was taken only when adulterated products were found in the market.
It did not provide a holistic framework for preventive measures along the supply chain.
Why R explains A:
Since the PFA Act had limitations by only checking the end product, the FSSA (2006) was introduced to expand the scope to the entire food supply chain.
Thus, the reason (R) directly explains the paradigm shift described in the assertion (A).
Therefore, both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A → Option (a).