FSSAI is tightening its focus on food safety, adulteration, misleading labels, packaged-food information and unhealthy eating practices. FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani said faster enforcement, clearer information and better consumer awareness are important to improve food safety across the country.
What is FSSAI mainly responsible for?
FSSAI primarily sets food safety standards for products sold and consumed in India.
It has 21 scientific panels covering areas including pesticides, colours, meat, vegetarian food, sugar and other food categories.
Most food licences are issued by State governments. Punhani said around 99 per cent of licences are issued by States.
Of roughly 75 lakh food licences, more than 74 lakh are with State governments. Around 5,000 manufacturing licences are handled directly by FSSAI.
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Who checks whether food is safe?
State food safety officers carry out inspections and collect food samples.
These samples are sent to laboratories for testing. FSSAI has around 250 laboratories and nearly 300 mobile laboratories.
If a food sample is found unsafe and harmful to health, criminal proceedings can be initiated.
Punhani said food safety cases should also be decided faster so action does not remain pending for years.
Can people be jailed for selling unsafe food?
Yes. Punhani said jail provisions exist where food is found unsafe.
According to him, more than 100 people have been sent to jail since January this year.
He said faster conviction or compounding proceedings are necessary because cases stretching over several years reduce the effectiveness of enforcement.
What happens in misbranding and sub-standard food cases?
Not every food violation is treated as an unsafe-food case.
A product may contain the required amount of protein but still violate standards because of incorrect levels of salt, sugar or other ingredients.
Such products may be classified as misbranded or sub-standard. These cases can attract monetary penalties.
Can analogue paneer face stricter restrictions?
Analogue paneer has become a food safety concern across the country.
Punhani said the issue is also being examined by State food control departments.
The concern is mainly about consumers being misled. If analogue paneer is used, authorities want it to be clearly identified rather than being presented in a way that makes consumers believe they are buying regular paneer.
Steps are being considered to ensure clearer disclosure of its use.
How will FSSAI identify ultra-processed food?
FSSAI has prepared a framework for identifying ultra-processed foods.
The draft uses factors such as fat, salt and sugar levels.
It has been placed on the regulator’s website and stakeholders have been given 60 days to submit their views.
The final approach will be decided after examining the responses and relevant standards.
Are momos, pizza and burgers considered unsafe?
Punhani said the meaning of “safe” is that a food should not be harmful to health.
However, FSSAI also encourages people to choose healthier food.
The regulator is promoting this through its Eat Right India campaign.
Who monitors food sold by restaurants and roadside vendors?
FSSAI sets the standards, but much of the monitoring is carried out by State governments.
This includes the unorganised food sector and restaurants.
State authorities are responsible for inspections and enforcement in these areas.
What should consumers do if they suspect food adulteration?
Consumers can file complaints through the Food Safety Connect app.
They can also upload photographs of the product while submitting the complaint.
The complaint is then forwarded to the concerned State food safety commissioner.
An effort is made to obtain a response within 30 days.
Will packaged food get clearer warning labels?
FSSAI is working on clearer information on the front of packaged foods.
Punhani said warning indicators on packets are being considered.
The issue is also linked to a matter pending before the Supreme Court.
The possibility of using QR codes to provide consumers with complete product information has also been discussed.
What changes are planned for food sold online?
FSSAI wants manufacturing and expiry-date information to be clearly available for products sold through e-commerce platforms.
Manufacturers are being asked to provide these details in a format that can be displayed online.
E-commerce companies are also expected to ensure that food delivered to customers has at least 30 per cent of its shelf life remaining.
Can consumers test food themselves in the future?
FSSAI is working on a “magic box” that could allow people to test food themselves.
The regulator is in discussions with manufacturers to develop such equipment commercially.
Some market associations have also shown interest in installing these machines.
What action can be taken against misleading food advertisements?
FSSAI is also acting against misleading health and food claims made in advertisements.
Punhani said a notice has been issued to a celebrity in one such matter.
The regulator has also written to celebrities asking them to withdraw sponsored advertisements where claims do not comply with food safety rules.
FSSAI’s wider approach combines standards, inspections, testing, penalties and consumer awareness. The regulator is also trying to make food information easier to understand so consumers can make safer choices before buying or eating a product.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
