FSSAI's Vigilance Yields Significant Results in Food Safety Enforcement

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made significant strides in food safety enforcement, analyzing over 518,000 samples and imposing numerous penalties. With a focus on high-risk food categories, FSSAI's initiatives include the deployment of mobile testing labs and the establishment of numerous testing facilities. These efforts aim to ensure compliance with food safety standards and protect consumers from adulterated products. The authority's actions have led to substantial license cancellations and convictions, highlighting its commitment to maintaining food quality and safety across the nation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 15:14 IST

Overview of FSSAI's Food Safety Initiatives

New Delhi, March 17: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reported extensive surveillance efforts, including inspections and random sampling of food items, resulting in the analysis of 518,559 samples. This initiative has led to 88,192 penalties and 3,614 convictions, as stated by the government on Tuesday.

According to Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, these actions resulted in the cancellation of 1,161 licenses from 2022 to 2025, following random checks on various food products such as milk, ghee, spices, honey, and paneer.

FSSAI officials, along with state and union territory food safety departments, conduct these surveillance drives year-round to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

During this period, a total of 56,259 risk-based inspections were performed, with the frequency determined by the risk level associated with food businesses. Annual inspections are mandated for all high-risk food categories.

Additionally, FSSAI has established 252 food testing laboratories and 24 referral laboratories for analyzing appellate samples.

To further combat food adulteration, FSSAI has funded Mobile Food Testing Laboratories, known as 'Food Safety on Wheels' (FSWs), deploying 305 units across 35 states and union territories. These labs are equipped for on-the-spot testing of food products.

The authority also provides financial and technical support to states and UTs, enhancing enforcement and compliance efforts, including licensing, consumer grievance redressal, and capacity building for officials.

Other initiatives include strengthening the food testing ecosystem with advanced equipment and promoting programs like 'Eat Right Campus' and 'Eat Right School'.

FSSAI's mandate is to establish science-based standards for food articles and regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure safe and wholesome food for consumers. However, the enforcement of these regulations primarily falls under the jurisdiction of state food safety authorities.