The directive, issued on December 16, mandates detailed reporting on three critical aspects: the quantity of products failing internal quality checks, the volume of expired or returned goods from the supply chain, and comprehensive records of product disposal. The disposal data must include specifics such as methods of destruction, auction details, and information about buyers or waste disposal agencies.

Food business operators (FBOs) will need to upload this information through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. While the provision for online submission is expected to be activated soon, the FSSAI has urged FBOs to start consolidating the required data in advance.

“This initiative ensures real-time monitoring of rejected and expired goods and their proper disposal, preventing any misuse for human consumption,” the regulatory body stated.

The FSSAI has also instructed all licensed food manufacturers, repackers, relabellers, and importers to maintain accurate records to avoid delays in future submissions.

The move underscores FSSAI’s commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability in the food supply chain, safeguarding public health, and minimizing risks associated with the resale of unsafe food products.

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This decision follows the government’s October announcement to remove the requirement for dual certification from both the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and FSSAI for these products. As part of the new measures, packaged water manufacturers will now be subjected to mandatory annual inspections and third-party audits by food safety agencies recognized by FSSAI.

To obtain or renew a license, manufacturers will need to undergo risk-based inspections annually. These steps are designed to address industry concerns over safety while streamlining compliance, as the packaged water industry had previously urged the removal of dual certification requirements.

FSSAI Tightens E-Commerce Norms

In a related development, FSSAI recently issued stricter guidelines for e-commerce food operators, emphasizing transparency and safety. Operators must ensure that food products have at least 30% or 45 days of shelf life remaining at the time of delivery. Additionally, any claims made about products must align with information on their labels and adhere to FSSAI regulations.

At a meeting held in November, FSSAI CEO G. Kamala Vardhana Rao stressed that no e-commerce operators could function without a valid FSSAI licence. He also highlighted the importance of separating the delivery of food and non-food items to prevent contamination.

These measures collectively reflect the regulator’s commitment to ensuring consumer safety and fostering greater accountability across the food industry.

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Key points:

1. Mandatory Self-Declaration: Advertisers must ensure their advertisements align with the Advertising Code and upload a self-declaration before publishing or airing the content.
2. Proof for Broadcasters: Advertisers must provide proof of this declaration to broadcasters, publishers, or relevant media platforms for record-keeping.
3. Operational Portals: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s Broadcast Seva Portal (for TV and radio) and the Press Council of India’s portal (for print, digital, and internet media) facilitate this compliance process, operational since June 4, 2024.

This move stems from the Supreme Court’s efforts to curb misleading advertisements in the case Indian Medical Association (IMA) vs. Union of India & Ors., emphasizing consumer protection. FBOs must ensure adherence to avoid legal and regulatory repercussions.

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Industry sources revealed that some quick commerce firms may not be maintaining the minimum shelf life required for safe delivery of packaged foods. “The problem is that the minimum shelf life of a product is not being maintained by some players,” an industry insider stated.

In a recent meeting with its Central Advisory Committee (CAC), FSSAI urged state authorities to ramp up surveillance on e-commerce warehouses and facilities to ensure compliance. A copy of the letter from FSSAI to quick commerce companies has highlighted these issues, underscoring the need for stricter adherence to food safety norms.

LocalCircles, a consumer community platform, recently voiced similar concerns, noting that numerous consumers have reported incidents where quick commerce platforms delivered products with limited shelf life remaining. In an October letter to FSSAI, LocalCircles cited instances of products, such as bread with a typical shelf life of 5–7 days, being delivered with only one day left. Additionally, a survey conducted by LocalCircles revealed that 57% of respondents had encountered instances where online platforms did not display the “best-before” date for packaged food products.

To address these issues, LocalCircles urged FSSAI to enforce the Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations 2020, which mandate that products should have at least 30% of their shelf life remaining or 45 days left before expiry when listed for sale and delivery.

The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has also raised concerns about the operations of quick commerce firms. Last month, the federation sent letters to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, calling for investigations into the use of private vehicles by quick commerce companies for commercial deliveries, as well as compliance with food safety norms during food product deliveries.

This meeting marks a critical step in FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety standards within India’s rapidly expanding quick commerce sector.

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The revised guidelines outline lower permissible limits for antibiotic residues, with a focus on high-risk items prone to contamination. The move addresses concerns that antibiotic overuse in animal farming has led to increased antibiotic resistance, posing health risks to consumers. Under these regulations, food manufacturers and suppliers will be required to adhere to stricter testing protocols and maintain transparency in labelling.

FSSAI has mandated regular inspections to monitor compliance, and companies found violating the new standards may face penalties or stricter action. This regulatory update aligns with global food safety standards and reflects FSSAI’s commitment to mitigating the risk of antibiotic resistance among the Indian population.

By tightening restrictions on antibiotic levels, FSSAI aims to encourage responsible antibiotic use in the agricultural and food industries and strengthen the country’s public health infrastructure.

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Narayanan noted that FSSAI has become “far more industry-centered” and praised the responsiveness and credibility that have defined the regulator’s approach in recent years. Since the Maggi ban in 2015 due to allegations of excessive lead levels, FSSAI has garnered respect from industry players, including Nestlé, which subsequently relaunched Maggi and maintained a dominant 60% market share in India’s instant noodles segment.

Narayanan underscored the significant shift in FSSAI’s “tone and tenor” over the past decade, applauding its constructive engagement and efficient response to industry needs. This proactive stance has extended to the regulator’s action on pan-India sample testing, including its April investigation of Nestlé’s Cerelac baby cereals following reports of high sugar content—a claim Nestlé has refuted.

The 2015 crisis marked a turning point for FSSAI, pushing the regulator into national prominence and prompting strengthened oversight. The regulator’s approach has been acknowledged not only by Nestlé but by industry stakeholders who view FSSAI’s credibility in testing and its responsiveness as crucial to maintaining public trust.

Following the Bombay High Court’s stay on the Maggi ban, further lab testing in 2016 confirmed lead levels within permissible limits, restoring the product’s market presence. Nestlé’s relations with FSSAI remain “cordial and respectful,” according to Narayanan, reflecting a cooperative stance with the regulator, which he describes as “far more industry-centered.”

Nestlé India, a subsidiary of Swiss multinational Nestlé S.A., continues to grow in India, its largest global market for Maggi, underscoring the mutual respect and cooperation fostered over the years with FSSAI.

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2011-2018: Laying the Foundation

This period marked the establishment of a robust food safety framework in India, initiated by the passage of the Food Safety and Standards Act in 2006. During this time, key developments included the introduction of food safety management systems (FSMS), the training of food handlers, and the launch of hygiene rating systems and mobile food labs.

2019-2024: Emphasizing Compliance and Testing

The focus shifted towards compliance and the establishment of high-quality food testing laboratories. Notably, the private sector played a pivotal role in supporting food safety audits and training, thereby enhancing India’s commitment to food safety on a global scale. Technological advancements were made to improve licensing, registration, and enforcement of compliance throughout the food chain. Initiatives were also implemented to assist small food businesses in improving hygiene standards through training and certification.

2025-2030: Embedding Food Safety in Daily Life 

Looking ahead, there is a need for embedding food safety into everyday practices, especially among small businesses in the informal sector. He highlighted that merely emphasizing compliance could burden businesses and potentially encourage corrupt practices. A culture of food safety must be cultivated, promoting consistent discipline at every stage of the food supply chain, from production to consumption.

Food safety should not be equated solely with the number of government food testing labs; rather, it should encompass a broader spectrum, including sourcing, handling, hygiene practices, and the skills of food handlers. While there may be gaps in some states, the combined capacity of both government and private food testing labs is sufficient to uphold safety standards.

Public-Private Partnerships

Recognizing the challenges of effectively running public food testing labs, there should be public-private partnership (PPP) models to manage these facilities. He emphasized the importance of strategic surveillance, third-party monitoring, and enhancing risk communication to educate the public about food safety risks.

A Call for Collaboration

The future of food safety in India requires active collaboration between regulators, the food industry, and the public. Harnessing the potential of India’s evolving private food safety ecosystem will be crucial. The stakeholders need to foster a culture where food safety is seen as a shared responsibility, integrated into daily habits and practices. Safe food should not be viewed merely as a regulatory obligation but rather as a fundamental mindset ingrained in society for the benefit of current and future generations.

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The reduced rates are outlined in the latest order, which references earlier notifications, including Order No. 12014/01/2020, dated November 3, 2021, and its corrigendum from January 19, 2023. The new fees will still be subject to applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) as determined by the Central Government.

Dr. S. K. Panda, Advisor of Quality Assurance at FSSAI, emphasized the importance of these surveillance programs. “The FSSAI is mandated to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to biological risks, food contaminants, and residue levels, as well as emerging threats to food safety. These activities are crucial for identifying high-risk areas and adulteration hotspots,” he stated.

The nationwide surveillance covers both organized and unorganized food sectors across all districts in India’s 36 states and union territories. By cutting testing fees, FSSAI aims to streamline efforts to monitor food safety, assess risks, and set regulatory standards, ensuring safer food for consumers.

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FSSAI has directed Food Safety Officers and Designated Officers across the country to maintain heightened surveillance over the production and sale of milk, ghee, khoya, paneer, and other festive delicacies. The aim is to safeguard consumers from potential health risks linked to adulteration, which tends to spike with increased demand during the festive period.

According to FSSAI, these preventive actions will include special enforcement drives in hotspots identified for malpractices. The organization has also deployed “Food Safety on Wheels,” mobile testing laboratories, to conduct on-the-spot checks in key markets. This initiative aims to deter unethical practices and ensure that consumers have access to safe and healthy food during the celebrations.

Authorities at both state and local levels have been urged to actively participate in the surveillance effort, focusing particularly on regions where adulteration risks are higher. FSSAI hopes these measures will curb malpractice while promoting public health.

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Details of the Draft Amendment

The draft amendment outlines that Natamycin, a natural antifungal agent, can be used as a preservative with a maximum permissible limit of 5 mg/kg for the specified food categories. This inclusion aims to enhance the shelf life of these products by preventing the growth of mould and yeast, which are common issues in fermented dairy products.

What is Natamycin?

According to Ashwin Bhadri, CEO of Equinox Labs, Natamycin is a natural antifungal compound produced by the bacterium Streptomyces natalensis. It is widely used in the food industry as a preservative, particularly in products like cheese, yogurt, and dried meats. The substance is known for its effectiveness at very low concentrations and does not affect the taste, appearance, or smell of the food, making it a safe and accepted preservative globally.

“Natamycin is generally recognized as safe and is approved for use in many countries. Its ability to inhibit the growth of fungi without altering the sensory properties of food makes it an ideal preservative,” said Bhadri.

Stakeholder Involvement and Feedback

FSSAI has invited stakeholders, including manufacturers, food safety experts, and consumers, to submit their suggestions and comments on the proposed amendment. This open consultation period allows stakeholders to provide their insights, which will be considered before finalizing the regulation.

The draft amendment is part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to update and refine food safety regulations in line with international standards, ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India.

Implications for the Food Industry

If approved, this amendment could have significant implications for the dairy and fermented foods sectors, allowing manufacturers to use Natamycin to maintain product quality and extend shelf life. This move could potentially reduce food waste and improve the overall marketability of dairy products.

Next Steps

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft and submit their feedback to FSSAI. The final decision will be made after considering all suggestions, ensuring that the regulation balances food safety with industry needs.

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