FSSAI tightens food safety oversight, states intensify inspections in FY 2025‑26

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stepped up food safety enforcement in FY 2025‑26 , combining aggressive inspections, expanded testing, recalls and regulatory reforms, officials said. Across the year, authorities conducted 3,97,009 inspections of food establishments and analysed 1,65,747 samples , with 17.16 per cent found non‑conforming , triggering corrective action. Nearly 98 per cent of Food Business Operators operate under state licensing, underscoring the state‑driven nature of enforcement .

Enforcement gained momentum with 23,580 adjudication cases decided , 1,756 criminal convictions and ₹154.87 crore in penalties. 945 food recalls were ordered to stop unsafe products reaching the public. FSSAI also directed states to remove misleading beverages using the term “ORS” , cracking down on fruit‑based and electrolyte drinks misusing the label unless compliant with World Health Organization standards.

A major development was bringing over 10 lakh street food vendors into formal regulatory oversight and rationalising licensing norms based on turnover. FSSAI expanded food testing infrastructure with 18 laboratories , including advanced facilities in Singtam (Sikkim) and Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh) equipped with enhanced microbiological testing systems for faster, accurate analysis.

Amid enforcement efforts, the authority faced scrutiny. Delhi Police registered an FIR after a data breach involving internal documents, which officials said targets unauthorized leakers, not journalists. Public discourse and consumer groups have raised concerns about enforcement gaps and labeling transparency , questioning whether FSSAI fully safeguards public health given ongoing reports of substandard products and labelling violations.

FSSAI continued public awareness initiatives like at‑home adulteration tests , while implementing policy reforms on labelling, compliance and digital monitoring. Officials said the year reflects a maturing regulatory framework where standard‑setting by FSSAI is complemented by state‑level execution, though public trust remains critical for effective food safety enforcement.