The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its regulatory oversight, putting Food Business Operators (FBOs) under the scanner for failing to file annual returns on time. As per recent updates from the authority, non-compliance with return filing requirements may result in strict penalties, including license suspension or cancellation.
FSSAI has made it mandatory for FBOs involved in manufacturing, processing, and relabeling to submit Form D1—an annual return specifying production details—for each financial year. The deadline is typically May 31. However, many businesses either miss the deadline or remain unaware of the process, putting them at regulatory risk.
According to FSSAI officials, this move is part of a broader strategy to ensure transparency, traceability, and accountability across the food supply chain. “The filing of returns is not just a formality; it is a tool to monitor operations and ensure compliance with safety norms,” an FSSAI representative stated.
The authority is leveraging its online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) to track submissions and issue alerts. FBOs who fail to comply may face fines up to ₹100 per day of delay, with more severe consequences in cases of repeated default.
Industry experts advise businesses to treat this notice as a wake-up call. Ensuring timely filing of FSSAI annual returns is now more critical than ever, as regulatory bodies step up enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FBOs are urged to stay compliant by updating their records, verifying their license categories, and ensuring timely submission to avoid future disruptions.
