India’s food diversity, encompassing over 2,000 distinct culinary traditions, poses a significant challenge in ensuring food safety for its vast population. Consequently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as the central regulatory body, equipped with regional offices across states and union territories.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 serves as the primary governing legislation. To strengthen its efficacy, FSSAI has implemented comprehensive reforms through the Food Safety and Standards (Amendment) Bill 2020. This amendment bolsters the regulatory framework encompassing food products, packaging, and raw materials, enabling more robust enforcement and empowering FSSAI to protect citizen’s food safety and security while deterring potential violations through enhanced punitive measures.