The government has intensified food safety enforcement nationwide, conducting more than 56,000 risk-based inspections in the past three years, showing a growth of over 100%. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for setting science-based standards for food products and overseeing their production, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure safe food for consumers.
In 2024-25, 26,267 risk-based inspections were carried out under the Risk Based Inspection System (RBIS), a significant increase from 18,098 in 2023-24 and 11,904 in 2022-23. The RBIS framework dictates inspection frequency based on the risk level of different food businesses, with high-risk categories requiring annual inspections.
Enforcing the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is a joint effort between the Centre and the states, with State Food Safety Authorities primarily responsible for on-ground implementation. Currently, 2,997 Food Safety Officers and 668 Designated Officers are actively working across states and Union Territories to enforce food safety regulations.
The government has enhanced the food testing infrastructure by designating 252 food testing laboratories and 24 referral laboratories for food sample analysis and appellate testing. Additionally, 305 mobile food testing laboratories, known as “Food Safety on Wheels,” have been deployed in 35 states and Union Territories for real-time food product testing to combat adulteration.
FSSAI mandates annual third-party audits for food business operators holding central licenses and has introduced the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 to enhance transparency and consumer awareness through clear product labeling. To prevent the reuse of cooking oil, FBOs must maintain records of used cooking oil disposal if daily edible oil consumption for frying exceeds 50 liters, while vegetable oil with Total Polar Compounds exceeding 25% is prohibited.
Consumers can report food safety concerns through the FSSAI grievance portal, email, or toll-free helpline, as highlighted by the minister.
