FSSAI Chief Emphasizes Improving Compliance as Food Safety Crackdown Continues Across India
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is reporting a gradual but positive shift in the national food safety landscape. Amid an ongoing nationwide crackdown on restaurants, packaged food manufacturers, and spice brands, FSSAI Chief Rajit Punhani has underscored that while compliance has historically been a challenge, the ecosystem is steadily maturing.
In an exclusive interview, Punhani noted that state governments have ramped up inspection efforts significantly. He addressed the recent media focus on food violations, clarifying that a high volume of inspections result in satisfactory findings. “It is when there are violations that they get highlighted in the media,” Punhani explained. “So, it is not that everyone is violating; it is just that the breaches are receiving more visibility.”
Enforcement Data Reveals Scale of Action
The regulator’s recent push for accountability has been substantial. Over the past few months, the authority has issued more than 100,000 notices to food business operators. Enforcement actions have been swift, resulting in approximately 5,000 license suspensions. Furthermore, the rigorous campaign has led to over 600 arrests and nearly 1,900 convictions, with penalties imposed in 33,000 individual cases. According to the FSSAI chief, these measures are successfully driving down the overall percentage of violations.
Potential Nationwide Ban on Analogue Paneer
A significant point of discussion at the regulatory level is the status of “analogue paneer”—a synthetic product manufactured from vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers, and various additives rather than milk.
Currently, eight states, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, have already prohibited the sale of this product to protect the integrity of traditional dairy-based paneer. Punhani announced that the FSSAI is convening a meeting with all states on September 24 to discuss the feasibility of a blanket national ban. Should a consensus be reached among the states, a countrywide prohibition is expected to follow.
Transparency in Packaged Foods
The FSSAI is also working toward implementing mandatory “high sugar, salt, and fat” warning labels on the front of packaged food items. While the initiative follows directives from the Supreme Court, the rollout will require time due to complex procedural requirements.
“We first have to issue a draft notification, invite public comments, and consult with the World Trade Organization, as this shift impacts international trade,” Punhani noted. The proposed system involves clear, red-colored hexagonal warning labels that allow consumers to instantly identify products with high levels of fats, sugar, or salt.
Beyond physical packaging, the regulator is tightening rules for digital commerce. E-commerce platforms have been issued a firm deadline of September 30 to display clear manufacturing and expiry dates for all food products listed on their sites.
As the regulatory framework tightens, the FSSAI continues to advise consumers to prioritize purchasing from established, verified local vendors and retail stores to ensure a higher standard of food safety.
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