Rapid Fire
Reforms in India's Food Safety Framework
- 18 Mar 2026
- 4 min read
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has approved a landmark set of regulatory reforms for the food sector, aligned with NITI Aayog's High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms, to balance Ease of Doing Business with robust food safety.
Reforms in India's Food Safety Framework
- Perpetual Validity of Licenses: The FSSAI has eliminated the requirement for periodic renewals; registrations and licenses will now have perpetual validity, significantly reducing compliance costs and paperwork for Food Business Operators (FBOs).
- The rationalization of licensing limits is designed to strengthen the role of State authorities, allowing them to focus resources on enforcement, monitoring, and capacity-building rather than routine renewals.
- Revised Turnover Thresholds: Effective 1st April, 2026, the turnover limit for registration increases from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. State Licensing will now cover businesses up to Rs 50 crore, leaving Central Licensing for those exceeding this limit.
- Deemed Registration for Street Vendors: To remove dual compliance, street vendors registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, are now deemed registered under FSSAI, benefiting over 10 lakh vendors.
- For micro and small enterprises, these measures ensure instant registration, the elimination of pre-inspection, and a substantial reduction in interaction with licensing authorities.
- Risk-Based Inspection Framework: A new technology-enabled, dynamic risk-based inspection system has been introduced to prioritize oversight based on the nature of the food commodity and the past compliance record of the FBO.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- About: Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI serves as the apex autonomous statutory body for consolidating food-related laws and ensuring public health through a single line of command.
- It operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), with a Chairperson holding the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
- Regulatory Functions: It is empowered to frame regulations and standards for food products, grant licenses, and conduct scientific research and risk assessments on food safety.
- Key Campaigns: Major flagship programs include Eat Right India, State Food Safety Index, RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil), and the Food Safety Mitra scheme.
| Read More: FSSAI to Streamline Food Safety Regulations |
