Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) serves as the principal regulatory authority responsible for enforcing food safety and standards across India. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products, including those in the dairy sector.

Important Events

FSSAI has implemented significant regulations specifically targeting the dairy industry. One of the key regulatory measures includes mandating that products resembling cheese must be clearly labeled as cheese analogues. This initiative is aimed at preventing the misrepresentation of such products as authentic paneer, thus addressing violations of food safety standards and potential health risks. This regulation was underscored by findings that revealed 83% of paneer samples failed safety tests. In a related enforcement action, the Noida Food Safety Department seized and destroyed 550 kg of adulterated paneer, highlighting the prevalence of adulteration issues in the market.

Moreover, FSSAI fined Heritage Foods Limited for a product quality compliance issue, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining high quality standards, focusing on product integrity, accurate labeling, and process compliance.

Company Plans

FSSAI is dedicated to enforcing stringent regulations to ensure consumer safety and uphold the integrity of food products in the market. As part of its ongoing efforts, the authority is actively updating guidelines and standards to address emerging food safety challenges. A nationwide campaign has been launched to combat dairy fraud, deploying 'Food Safety on Wheels'—mobile testing laboratories—across various markets in India. These units conduct rapid tests and promote the use of rapid testing kits. Additionally, FSSAI has instructed state food safety commissioners to take strict legal action against violators, aligning the campaign with concerns about the impact of dairy adulteration on public health and India's international trade reputation.

Modified: 2026/03/13

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