The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a new amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, marking another step toward tightening India’s food safety framework. The update focuses on enhancing consumer protection, regulating sale restrictions, and ensuring greater accountability from food business operators (FBOs).
Key Changes Introduced
The amendment revises existing clauses to restrict the sale of certain high-risk or misbranded food items, particularly those that do not meet established nutritional, labeling, or safety standards. It emphasizes stricter controls over the sale of foods meant for infants, medical purposes, and products containing artificial ingredients or contaminants beyond prescribed limits.
Additionally, the FSSAI has introduced clearer compliance requirements for e-commerce food sellers to prevent misleading product listings. The regulation mandates that no food business shall manufacture, store, or sell products in violation of the approved safety norms, reinforcing the FSSAI’s “zero-tolerance policy” toward unsafe or deceptive food practices.
Objective Behind the Amendment
According to the authority, this regulatory change aims to align India’s food safety laws with global standards, ensuring that only products verified under FSSAI norms reach consumers. It also empowers state-level enforcement agencies to conduct regular inspections and issue penalties or suspensions for non-compliance.
The amendment underscores the growing focus on public health protection, especially amid increasing concerns over adulteration, misleading claims, and the rise of processed food consumption in India’s rapidly expanding market.
Compliance Outlook for Businesses
Food manufacturers, distributors, and online sellers are advised to review their product portfolios, labeling, and marketing strategies in line with the updated provisions. Non-compliance could attract license revocation, monetary penalties, or prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
India Advocacy Insight
This amendment demonstrates FSSAI’s ongoing effort to strengthen the nation’s food regulatory ecosystem and promote transparency from farm to fork. As India’s food industry diversifies, proactive compliance and ethical marketing will be critical for maintaining brand trust and consumer safety under the revised framework.
