Every meal in India passes through a legal checkpoint. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 decides whether that meal is safe, honest, and properly labelled. Consequently, the law touches farmers, factory owners, cloud kitchens, street vendors, and shoppers alike. This guide explains the statute in plain language. Moreover, it covers licensing, penalties, court rulings, and the latest 2026 developments.
Please note that this article shares general information only. Besides, it is not legal advice. Therefore, consult a qualified lawyer before you act on any point below.
What Is the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006? A Quick Answer
Quick answer: The Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 is India’s central law on food safety. It consolidates older food laws, creates the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and sets science-based standards for food. In addition, it regulates how people manufacture, store, distribute, sell, and import food. Notably, Parliament enacted it as Act 34 of 2006, and the President gave assent on 23 August 2006.
The law did not start working overnight. Instead, the Centre notified its provisions in phases. Eventually, the Act came into force on 5 August 2011, as the Supreme Court recorded in a leading milk adulteration case. Today, it extends to the whole of India. Meanwhile, many readers search for the Food and Safety Standards Act 2006 by mistake. However, the correct title reads Food Safety and Standards Act.
Key facts at a glance
- Official citation: Act 34 of 2006
- Assent: 23 August 2006
- Commencement: 5 August 2011
- Regulator: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Territorial extent: the whole of India
- Core purpose: safe and wholesome food for human consumption
Why India Needed a Single Food Law
Before 2006, food regulation resembled a patchwork. In fact, different ministries ran different orders. As a result, standards overlapped, and enforcement stayed weak. The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954 formed the backbone, yet it focused mainly on adulteration. Meanwhile, markets evolved quickly, and global trade demanded science-based rules.
Parliament therefore chose consolidation. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 repealed older instruments. Among them are the 1954 adulteration law, the Fruit Products Order 1955, the Meat Food Products Order 1973, the Vegetable Oil Products Order 1947, and the Milk and Milk Products Order 1992. Likewise, it replaced other food orders issued under the Essential Commodities Act. So, one statute and one regulator now guide food quality nationwide.
The reform mattered for three reasons. First, businesses gained a single rulebook. Second, regulators gained a science-based mandate. Third, consumers gained clearer rights. Indeed, the Supreme Court has described the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 as exhaustive on food law.
Timeline: Key Milestones of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006
A quick timeline shows how the law matured:
- 23 August 2006: Presidential assent arrives.
- 2008 and 2009: Phased notifications begin to activate provisions.
- 5 August 2011: Commencement follows, together with the Licensing Regulations.
- 2016: Milk adulteration directions come from the Supreme Court.
- 1 June 2020: FoSCoS replaces the older licensing portal.
- 11 August 2023: Jan Vishwas receives assent and reshapes penalties.
- 2026: Front-of-pack warning labels dominate the Supreme Court’s agenda.
Overall, each milestone changed how operators comply. Therefore, the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 is best read as a living framework, not a static text.
Objectives and Scope of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006
Four Core Objectives
The statute pursues four broad goals. First, it lays down science-based standards for articles of food. Second, it regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. Third, it secures safe and wholesome food for people. Finally, it places enforcement under one national authority.
Section 2 adds a policy statement. Here, it declares that Union control over the food industry is expedient in the public interest. Thus, Parliament signalled a strong central role. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 therefore reads as a national framework, not a local guideline.
Who Falls Inside the Law
The definition of “food business” is deliberately wide. Broadly, it covers any undertaking, whether for profit or not, that handles food at any stage. Specifically, that includes manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transport, distribution, import, catering, and sale. Therefore, a five-star hotel, a school canteen, and a roadside stall all fall inside the net.
Other definitions deserve attention. For example, “adulterant” covers any material that makes food unsafe, sub-standard, or mis-branded. Similarly, “advertisement” includes print, electronic media, the internet, and websites. Hence, online promotions can count as advertisements. Consequently, under Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, that detail matters for every brand with a social media presence.
Key Legal Terms Explained in Plain Words
Definitions drive outcomes in food cases. Consider these terms from Section 3:
- Adulterant: any material that could make food unsafe, sub-standard, misbranded, or contaminated with extraneous matter.
- Claim: any representation that suggests food has particular qualities of origin, nutrition, nature, processing, or composition.
- Hazard: a biological, chemical, or physical agent in food, or a condition of food, that can harm health.
- Improvement notice: a notice that a Designated Officer issues under Section 32.
- Import: bringing any article of food into India by land, sea, or air.
Understanding these terms helps operators read notices correctly. Moreover, lawyers can frame defences with sharper language. Indeed, under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, one misread definition can change an entire case.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India: Structure and Powers
Composition of the Authority
Section 4 establishes the Authority as the apex regulator. In short, it consists of a Chairperson and twenty-two members, and one-third of them must be women. Furthermore, the Centre appoints them under qualifications that Section 5 sets. Meanwhile, scientific panels and a Scientific Committee support the Authority with technical advice.
Functions and Duties
Section 16 assigns the Authority a broad mandate. For example, it frames regulations, specifies standards, and lays down guidelines for laboratory accreditation. In addition, it collects data on contamination, tracks emerging risks, and promotes public awareness. Moreover, it advises the Government on food policy. Thus, every regulation that flows from the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 traces back to this section.
General Principles Under Section 18
Section 18 guides every decision. First, the Authority must follow risk analysis based on available scientific evidence. Second, where science remains uncertain, it should apply a precautionary approach. Additionally, it must protect consumer interests and keep its processes open and transparent. So, FSSAI standards usually pass through draft stages and stakeholder comments.
Core Duties of Food Business Operators
Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 places clear duties on every operator. Specifically, Section 26 requires operators to ensure that food meets the law at every stage under their control. Moreover, operators must never sell unsafe food. In practice, this duty follows the product from farm gate to shelf.
Several sections add detail:
- Special foods (Section 22): Special foods such as nutraceuticals, health supplements, and genetically modified food need regulatory compliance.
- Labels (Section 23): Packaged food must carry proper labels.
- Advertising (Section 24): Advertisements must not mislead or make false claims.
- Imports (Section 25): Importers must not bring in unsafe or misbranded food.
- Liability (Section 27): Manufacturers, packers, wholesalers, distributors, and sellers each carry defined liability.
- Recalls (Section 28): Operators must recall unsafe food and tell the authorities.
Liability follows the supply chain. For example, a seller answers for expired stock. Likewise, a manufacturer answers for a product that fails the standards. Therefore, each link should keep records that prove its own compliance. In fact, under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, paperwork often decides the outcome of a dispute.
Imports, E-Commerce, and Special Foods
Imports Under Section 25
Section 25 governs imports. Put simply, it bars importers from bringing in unsafe, misbranded, or sub-standard food. Consequently, importers must treat the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 as a border-clearance rulebook too. In practice, an importer should confirm standards, labels, and licences before a shipment sails.
E-Commerce and Online Sellers
Online food sellers face scrutiny as well. In October 2023, FSSAI re-operationalised draft licensing amendments aimed at e-commerce operators, according to a Nishith Desai review. Therefore, marketplaces and cloud kitchens should check that every listed seller holds a valid licence. Besides, the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 treats internet promotion as advertising, so product pages must stay truthful.
Nutraceuticals and Health Supplements
Supplement brands deserve special care. Specifically, Section 22 requires such products to follow specific regulations. Hence, a brand cannot rely on general food rules alone. Instead, it must meet the standards and labelling rules of its own product category.
Licensing and Registration Under Section 31
Three Tiers of Permission
Section 31 bars anyone from starting a food business without a licence or registration. Regulations then create three tiers: registration, state licence, and central licence. For instance, petty operators with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh register with the local authority, according to FSSAI. Larger businesses apply for a licence, and the type depends on turnover, capacity, and activity. Besides, people who search for the Food and Safety Standards Act 2006 usually want exactly this answer.
Applying Through FoSCoS
FSSAI launched the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) on 1 June 2020. In effect, it replaced the older Food Licensing and Registration System. Today, operators file applications, renewals, and changes online. Besides, the 2011 Licensing Regulations still supply the underlying rules, and they took effect on or after 5 August 2011.
The Cost of Skipping a Licence
Operating without a licence invites penalty under Section 63. Before the 2023 reforms, the offence carried up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh. Now, the provision exposes the operator to a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh. Moreover, an unlicensed business loses credibility with buyers and marketplaces. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 therefore rewards operators who license early.
How Enforcement Works on the Ground
The Officers Behind the Law
Section 29 makes the Centre and the States responsible for enforcement. Likewise, the Commissioner of Food Safety leads each State’s machinery under Section 30. Beneath the Commissioner, Designated Officers (Section 36) and Food Safety Officers (Section 37) work at district and local levels. Meanwhile, Food Analysts (Section 45) test samples in accredited laboratories.
Section 38 grants Food Safety Officers real powers. For instance, they may take samples, inspect premises, and seize unsafe food. Additionally, Section 41 covers search, seizure, and investigation. However, officers must follow procedure strictly, because lapses often weaken prosecutions under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
Improvement Notices
Section 32 lets a Designated Officer issue an improvement notice. Typically, the notice lists the breach and fixes a deadline. If the operator fails to comply, the officer may suspend or cancel the licence after a fair hearing. Importantly, an aggrieved operator may appeal to the Commissioner of Food Safety within 15 days.
What an Inspection Looks Like
An inspection can start without warning. Officers show identification and ask to see the licence. Next, they walk through storage, processing, and packaging areas. Meanwhile, the operator should assign one calm, knowledgeable person to assist. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 gives officers broad access, so cooperation helps more than confrontation. Afterwards, ask for a written copy of any notice, and note the date and time of every step. Finally, correct each observation quickly, because the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 rewards visible, documented corrections.
Sampling in Six Steps
- A Food Safety Officer takes a sample and records the details.
- Next, the officer divides the sample into four parts and seals them.
- One part goes to the Food Analyst for testing.
- Within 14 days, the analyst sends a written report.
- Then the Designated Officer reviews the report and recommends action to the Commissioner.
- Finally, an aggrieved operator may appeal within 30 days for referral laboratory analysis.
Offences and Penalties: What the Act Imposes
Civil Penalties at a Glance
Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 separates civil penalties from criminal punishment. First, adjudicating officers impose penalties for lesser breaches. Second, courts try the serious offences. So, the gravity of harm decides the route.
| Section | Breach | Maximum consequence |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Sub-standard food | Penalty up to ₹5 lakh |
| 52 | Misbranded food | Penalty up to ₹3 lakh |
| 53 | Misleading advertisement | Penalty up to ₹10 lakh |
| 54 | Extraneous matter in food | Penalty up to ₹1 lakh |
| 56 | Unhygienic processing | Penalty up to ₹1 lakh |
| 58 | Contravention with no specific penalty | Penalty up to ₹2 lakh |
These figures reflect the statutory text as commonly published. However, the 2023 reform revises certain amounts and allows periodic increases. Therefore, always check the current consolidated text before advising a client.
Criminal Liability for Unsafe Food
Section 59 targets unsafe food. The punishment climbs with the harm caused:
- Non-grievous injury: up to one year in prison and a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.
- Grievous injury: up to six years in prison and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
- Death: at least seven years, extendable to life, and a fine of at least ₹10 lakh.
Repeat offenders face tougher consequences under Section 64, including enhanced punishment and licence cancellation. In addition, Section 65 lets courts order compensation for victims. To be exact, death attracts at least ₹5 lakh, while lesser injuries attract capped amounts. Finally, Section 77 sets a one-year limit for prosecutions. However, the Commissioner can approve a longer period of up to three years.

Jan Vishwas Reforms: What Changed in 2023
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 received assent on 11 August 2023. Specifically, it decriminalised and rationalised offences across 42 central laws. In total, it amended 183 provisions. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 was one of those laws.
Three provisions changed: Section 59(i), Section 61, and Section 63. For Section 63, the old mix of imprisonment and a fine gave way to a monetary penalty of up to ₹10 lakh. Furthermore, a Nishith Desai Associates review notes that the amended penalties rise by ten per cent every three years. Likewise, the same review reports that the food provisions took effect on 7 November 2023.
What does this mean in practice? First, minor procedural lapses now draw penalties instead of jail. Second, operators gain breathing room to fix paperwork. However, serious offences that injure or kill remain criminal under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. A 2025 Jan Vishwas Bill later refined how future fine revisions work. That shows the reform path continues.
Adjudication, Appeals, and Tribunals
Section 68 creates Adjudicating Officers. Notably, their rank is no lower than Additional District Magistrate. Then these officers hear the operator, weigh the evidence, and decide the penalty. Importantly, they must give the person a fair chance to respond.
Section 70 establishes the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal. Accordingly, operators can challenge an adjudication order before it, and a further appeal lies to the High Court. Therefore, the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 offers several layers of review.
Practical steps help here. First, reply to notices before deadlines. Next, preserve batch records, supplier invoices, and lab reports. Moreover, request re-analysis of the sample when the report looks doubtful. Finally, consult counsel early, because limitation periods run quickly.
Defences Available to Operators
Section 80 recognises certain defences. For instance, an accused operator may show that reasonable precautions and due diligence prevented the offence. However, courts weigh such pleas against the evidence, and they expect proof, not assertion. Therefore, businesses should maintain supplier warranties, test reports, and training logs.
Procedural defences matter too. For example, a sample taken without proper sealing can weaken the case. Similarly, a prosecution launched after the limitation period may fail under Section 77. Accordingly, counsel should audit every step of the enforcement chain. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 rewards precision on both sides of the table. Even so, no defence replaces genuine compliance.
Liability of Companies and Directors
Section 66 deals with offences by companies. First, the person in charge of, and responsible for, the business at the relevant time faces liability. Second, directors and managers also answer when the offence occurs with their consent, connivance, or neglect. Hence, boards cannot ignore food safety.
Courts, however, insist on specific allegations. On 8 July 2026, the Calcutta High Court decided Sailesh Venkatesan v State of West Bengal. It quashed criminal proceedings against the managing director of Mead Johnson Nutrition India. Vicarious liability, the court held, needs specific allegations. Moreover, the bench reaffirmed that the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 overrides other food-related laws.
For companies, the lesson is simple. First, name a responsible nominee. Second, document delegations in writing. Third, keep compliance audits on file. Indeed, under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, clear records protect both the business and its directors.
Landmark Rulings That Shaped Food Law
The 2016 Milk Adulteration Judgment
In Swami Achyutanand Tirth v Union of India, a three-judge bench decided on 5 August 2016. Chief Justice Thakur, Justice Banumathi, and Justice Lalit heard the petition about adulterated milk. Notably, the Court directed the Union and the States to implement the Act more effectively. It also required well-equipped food laboratories and a public complaint mechanism with a website and toll-free lines. Furthermore, it urged Parliament to revisit punishments so that they deter harmful adulteration.
The case still matters. In 2023, the Supreme Court issued notice in a contempt petition that arose from the same judgment. Clearly, courts continue to monitor enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
Overriding Effect Over the Penal Code
Section 89 gives the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 an overriding effect. Later, a Supreme Court bench applied it to a food adulteration prosecution. Specifically, the Court held that authorities cannot continue proceedings under the Indian Penal Code where the food statute applies. Accordingly, it quashed the penal case. Nevertheless, it left the authorities free to proceed under Section 59.
Therefore, practitioners should check which statute governs the facts. Indeed, parallel prosecutions invite quashing petitions. Lawyers should also watch how courts apply this logic under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, which replaced the old penal code.
Latest Judgments and 2026 Updates
Front-of-Pack Warning Labels
The biggest 2026 story involves 3S and Our Health Society v. Union of India. On 10 February 2026, the Supreme Court directed FSSAI to consider warning labels such as “High Sugar Level” on packaged food. Subsequently, on 13 August 2026, the Court criticised the regulator for slow progress and gave it two weeks to decide. FSSAI then proposed red hexagonal pictorial warnings for foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
On 28 September 2026, a bench of Justices Pardiwala and Vinod Chandran reserved its order. Notably, the bench questioned why FSSAI wanted a full year of voluntary compliance. Even so, the sources reviewed reported no final order at the time of writing. Businesses should therefore watch for a binding direction under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
What the Labels Mean for Brands
A final rule would change the Labelling and Display Regulations 2020. Earlier, the Court set up an expert committee to suggest amendments, according to a Khaitan & Co bulletin. Consequently, packaging teams should start design reviews early. Brands with products high in sugar, salt, or fat should also prepare reformulation options. Even so, a warning label does not ban a product, and the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 still lets brands sell compliant goods.
Other 2026 Developments
In April 2026, the Supreme Court dismissed a public interest petition that sought a court-monitored enforcement committee. Plainly, it reasoned that Article 32 cannot take over the work of a statutory regulator. Likewise, the Delhi High Court quashed a note appended to Regulation 2.5.2 of the 2011 Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations. Together, these rulings show that courts respect the regulator’s domain, yet they hold it accountable.
What the Act Means for Startups, Cloud Kitchens, and D2C Brands
Young food companies often move faster than their compliance. Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 offers no startup exemption. Therefore, founders should treat licensing as a launch task, not a later chore.
Three Early Decisions
First, choose the right licence tier before the first sale. Second, fix label and claim language before printing packaging. Third, appoint a nominee who understands food law. Moreover, build supplier contracts that require test reports and recall cooperation. Notably, the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 makes each link in the chain accountable, so contracts should reflect that.
Investor and Marketplace Expectations
Investors and marketplaces often ask for licence proof during due diligence. So, a clean licence trail and audit record can smooth funding rounds and listings. Meanwhile, founders who search for the Food and Safety Standards Act 2006 usually start here. Still, the practical answer remains simple: license early, label honestly, and keep records.
Compliance Checklist for Food Businesses
A short routine prevents most disputes. Use this checklist each quarter:
- Confirm that your licence or registration matches your actual activity and turnover.
- Display the licence number on labels, invoices, and premises as the regulations require.
- Audit labels against the Labelling and Display Regulations 2020.
- Verify every health or nutrition claim before publication.
- Test raw materials and finished goods through accredited laboratories.
- Train staff on hygiene, storage, and temperature control.
- Maintain a written recall plan and test it once a year.
- Appoint and document a responsible nominee.
Notably, each step maps to a duty under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Moreover, each step produces a record that helps in an inspection. Thus, compliance becomes a habit rather than a scramble.
Consumer Rights and Practical Steps
Consumers hold real tools under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. For instance, Section 40 lets a purchaser get food analysed by paying the prescribed fee. Likewise, Section 65 supports compensation for injury or death. In addition, the Supreme Court has directed governments to run complaint mechanisms with websites and toll-free access.
If something goes wrong, act quickly. First, keep the bill, the packaging, and the batch number. Second, photograph the product and any visible defect. Next, report the matter to the Designated Officer or the Commissioner of Food Safety. Then seek medical care and preserve records for any claim. Also, people who search for the Food and Safety Standards Act 2006 often want this exact roadmap.
Common Compliance Mistakes to Avoid
Enforcement trends point to recurring errors:
- Expired or mismatched licences: operators change activity but never update the licence.
- Loose marketing claims: brands promise health benefits without evidence.
- Weak supplier checks: buyers trust invoices instead of test reports.
- No recall drill: teams discover the gap only during a crisis.
- Missing records: managers cannot prove what they did right.
Each mistake invites notices, penalties, or worse. Fortunately, each is cheap to fix. Thus, businesses that treat Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 as a risk-management tool usually avoid trouble.
Key Takeaways on the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006
Here are the points to remember:
- It is a national law with a single regulator, FSSAI.
- Every food business needs registration or a licence.
- Penalties range from civil fines to long imprisonment.
- Jan Vishwas reforms replaced jail with penalties for minor lapses.
- Courts keep pressing FSSAI on labels and enforcement.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Food Safety and Standards Act 2006
Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 shapes everything Indians eat. Specifically, it creates one regulator, one rulebook, and a graded system of penalties. Furthermore, it balances business freedom with consumer safety. Recently, the 2023 reforms eased minor breaches, while the 2026 front-of-pack litigation raises the bar on transparency.
First, businesses should license correctly, label honestly, and document everything. Second, consumers should know their rights and use them. Above all, anyone who works with the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 should read the current bare act and track new notifications. Seek professional advice for specific facts as well. As courts and regulators keep evolving the law, staying informed remains the best protection.
References
- FSSAI, official Act PDF: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/FOOD-ACT.pdf
- AdvocateKhoj, bare act index: https://www.advocatekhoj.com/library/bareacts/foodsafety/index.php
- CaseMine, Act 34 of 2006: https://www.casemine.com/act/in/5ed4fb04894ef23297d8ba49
- InforMEA, legislation record: https://www.informea.org/es/legislation/food-safety-and-standards-act-2006-0
- Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023, text: https://ifbgoa.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-11/The%20Jan%20Vishwas%20%28Amendment%20of%20Provisions%29%20Act%2C%202023.pdf
- Nishith Desai Associates, 2023 food industry regulatory update: https://nishithdesai.com/research-and-articles/hotline/pharma-healthcare-update/year-end-regulatory-update-2023-food-industry-in-india-14895
- Food Safety Works, penalty changes under the Jan Vishwas Act: https://foodsafetyworks.com/fssai_updates/changes-in-penalties-under-fssa-2006
- PRS Legislative Research, Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 summary: https://prsindia.org/files/bills_acts/bills_parliament/2025/Summary-Jan_Vishwas_Bill_2025.pdf
- FSSAI, registration page: https://fssai.gov.in/cms/registration.php
- FSSAI, licensing and registration FAQs (2022): https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/FAQs_Licensing_Registration_26_07_2022.pdf
- SCC Online, Swami Achyutanand Tirth directions (2016): https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2016/08/05/directions-for-curbing-milk-adulteration-issued-government-asked-to-evolve-a-complaint-mechanism-to-check-corruption-by-food-authorities/
- Supreme Court judgment text, Swami Achyutanand Tirth: https://www.legalauthority.in/judgement/swami-achyutanand-tirth-vs-union-of-india-3367
- LiveLaw, overriding effect over the Penal Code: https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/food-safety-and-standards-act-overrides-indian-penal-code-simultaneous-prosecution-under-both-acts-not-possible-supreme-court-250555
- LiveLaw, Supreme Court reserves order on front-of-pack labels: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/why-one-year-needed-to-place-front-of-pack-labels-on-packaged-food-supreme-court-asks-fssai-reserves-judgment-552122
- LiveLaw, FSSAI proposes pictorial warning labels: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/after-supreme-court-rap-fssai-proposes-pictorial-front-of-pack-warning-labels-for-packaged-foods-high-in-sugar-salt-fat-547714
- ThePrint, Supreme Court rebukes FSSAI over labels: https://theprint.in/judiciary/do-you-not-want-people-to-be-healthy-scs-earful-to-fssai-for-ignoring-front-of-pack-food-label-order/3013509/
- LiveLaw, Supreme Court dismisses PIL on food safety enforcement: https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/fssai-is-there-supreme-court-dismisses-pil-seeking-court-monitored-committee-to-enforce-food-safety-standards-529843
- Khaitan & Co, Food Safety Bulletin, Issue 2, 2026: https://www.khaitanco.com/sites/default/files/2026-08/11082026_Newsletter_Food%20Safety%20Bulletin%20Issue%20Two.pdf
- Lok Sabha answer on milk adulteration and the 2016 directions: https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/954658/1/AU4386.pdf
FAQs on the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006
- 1. What is the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006?
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is an Indian law that regulates food safety and hygiene. It aims to protect consumers by ensuring that food products meet prescribed safety and quality standards. The Act established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to develop food standards and oversee food safety regulations. It covers food manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, import, and advertising. Food businesses must follow applicable requirements to prevent contamination, adulteration, and misleading claims.
- 2. Is an FSSAI licence mandatory for food businesses in India?
Yes, food businesses generally require an appropriate FSSAI licence or registration under Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The required category depends on the business’s nature, scale, and eligibility criteria. Restaurants, food manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and online food sellers may need registration or a licence. Operating without the required authorisation can lead to penalties. Businesses should check the current FSSAI eligibility criteria before applying through the official FoSCoS portal.
- 3. What are the labelling requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006?
Section 23 of the Act addresses food packaging and labelling requirements. Packaged food labels must comply with applicable regulations, including the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Depending on the product, labels may need the food’s name, ingredient list, nutritional information, allergen declarations, vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol, net quantity, date marking, and FSSAI licence number. Accurate labelling helps consumers make informed choices and allows regulators to identify non-compliant products.
- 4. What penalties apply to misleading food advertisements and claims?
Section 24 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 prohibits misleading food advertisements and unfair trade practices. Businesses must not make false or deceptive claims about a product’s quality, composition, benefits, or safety. For example, claims such as “natural,” “organic,” or “high protein” must comply with applicable legal requirements. Under Section 53, misleading advertisements can attract a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh. The actual consequences depend on the violation and relevant regulations.
- 5. Does the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 apply to online food sales?
Yes. The Act’s framework extends to food businesses operating through websites, mobile applications, and other digital platforms. Online food listings and promotional content may be treated as advertising when they promote food products. Businesses must comply with applicable licensing, labelling, food safety, and advertising requirements. They should ensure that product descriptions, ingredient details, nutritional claims, and images do not mislead consumers. E-commerce food businesses should also review relevant FSSAI regulations and requirements for their specific business model.
