The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has a new leader at the helm, with Rajit Punhani officially assuming charge as Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned bureaucrat from the 1989 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Punhani brings with him decades of experience in governance, administration, and policy-making, with a career spanning labor, social justice, and regulatory reforms.
Punhani’s appointment comes at a crucial time when FSSAI is navigating key challenges, including the rollout of front-of-pack nutrition labelling, tackling adulteration in food supply chains, and strengthening regulatory compliance across industries. His leadership is expected to steer the authority toward advancing consumer safety while balancing the interests of India’s vast food business ecosystem.
In his previous roles, Punhani served as Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and in senior positions across labor and social justice ministries. His reputation as a policy strategist and a proponent of institutional accountability is expected to bolster FSSAI’s mandate of ensuring safe, healthy, and quality food for all citizens.
Industry stakeholders and consumer rights groups have welcomed his appointment, noting that his tenure will be closely watched for decisive action on long-pending reforms such as stricter penalties for food adulteration, digital traceability systems, and improved testing infrastructure.
Key Highlights
Rajit Punhani takes over as CEO of FSSAI.
Brings decades of experience in policy, labor, and governance.
Expected to advance front-of-pack nutrition labelling reforms.
Focus areas: food adulteration, compliance, and safety standards.
Industry and consumer groups anticipate stronger enforcement measures.
Who Should Take Action – Specific Advice
Food businesses should prepare for tighter compliance checks under the new leadership. Manufacturers must strengthen quality control systems, while regulators at state levels should align with FSSAI’s evolving standards. Consumers, meanwhile, should actively engage with awareness campaigns and demand greater transparency in food safety practices.
India Advocacy Insight
The appointment of Rajit Punhani as FSSAI’s CEO signals a renewed push for accountability and stricter enforcement in India’s food ecosystem. At India Advocacy, we believe this leadership change will accelerate reforms that prioritize public health, transparency, and industry-wide compliance, setting the tone for the next phase of food safety governance.
