In a bid to enhance the ease of doing business and reduce regulatory burdens in the food sector, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Previously, all licensed food businesses were mandated to maintain records and adhere to stock rotation practices following FIFO or FEFO principles. However, the recent changes now only require food manufacturing businesses to comply with these measures, essential for upholding food safety, quality assurance, and product traceability.
Non-manufacturing food businesses, such as retailers, are now exempt from these obligations under the revised norms. This adjustment is anticipated to alleviate compliance pressures on food business operators, especially small and medium enterprises, while ensuring robust food safety oversight in necessary areas.
The amendments are part of a broader regulatory reform agenda by the ministry to enhance the business environment and endorse risk-based and outcome-oriented regulations within the food industry. Various simplification measures have been introduced in recent years, including perpetual licences, revised turnover thresholds, and a risk-based inspection system.
These reforms were developed after extensive consultations with states, Union Territories, and stakeholders in the food business ecosystem. They align with the recommendations of a high-level committee on non-financial regulatory reforms by NITI Aayog, emphasizing the reduction of unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining effective oversight.
The ministry reaffirmed its dedication to fortifying India’s food safety framework through science-based regulations, stakeholder engagements, and ongoing efforts to streamline compliance requirements for businesses.
