India has a wide range of foods and food traditions, but all of it is supported by a strong regulatory framework that most consumers rarely notice. There are clear rules on how food should be made, tested, packaged, and sold, all aimed at protecting people’s health.
Here, we take a straightforward look at these food products regulations in India and what they mean for businesses working in the food sector.
Food Regulatory Authorities in India
Food regulation in India isn’t handled by a single office. The key body is FSSAI, which most people in the industry deal with at some point. It came into existence after the 2006 Act and handles most of the heavy work like drafting rules, creating safety standards, and monitoring food entering or leaving the country. State Food Safety Authorities work alongside FSSAI, making sure these rules are followed within their respective regions.
Connect with Artixio for End-to-End Food Regulatory Assistance in India
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — What It Means for Food Regulation in India
India doesn’t rely on a single authority for food safety. The central agency, FSSAI, takes care of setting rules and deciding how food should be tested, labelled, and monitored. It came into the picture after the Food Safety and Standards Act was passed in 2006.
Under this Act, FSSAI was created as the central authority responsible for developing scientific food-safety standards. Its role spans the entire food chain: production, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products — all to ensure that consumers receive safe and wholesome food.
Why the FSS Act Matters
Before this Act, India’s food regulation was scattered across many separate laws and orders. The 2006 Act repealed most of those older laws — including the former Prevention of Food Adulteration laws, various dairy, meat, and produce orders — and replaced them with a unified, modern framework under FSSAI.
Key FSSAI Regulations
Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses (2011)
- Basically breaks down who just needs a simple registration and who must apply for a state or central licence.
- The paperwork, size thresholds, and basic eligibility fall under this one.
Food Product Standards and Food Additives (2011)
- This is the long list of standards for everyday food categories — from milk to grains to meat.
- Also includes which additives are allowed and where the limits are drawn.
Packaging and Labelling Regulations (2011)
- Tells manufacturers what must appear on the label and what the pack should protect against.
- Most FMCG brands refer to this for their basic label layout.
Contaminants, Toxins and Residues (2011)
- Sets cap values for pesticide traces, metals, microbes, and other unwanted elements.
- If a batch crosses these limits, it usually doesn’t move forward.
Import Regulations (2017)
- Everything that happens at the entry point — document checks, possible sampling, clearances, and rejection rules — sits in this regulation.
Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales (2011)
- Lists items that either can’t be sold or are allowed only under certain conditions due to safety concerns.
Food Recall Procedure (2017)
- A step-by-step guide for when unsafe food is already out in the market.
- Covers notification timelines, how the recall should be executed, and record-keeping.
Laboratory and Sampling Analysis (2011)
- Explains how samples must be taken and tested so that results are consistent across labs and legally defensible.
Food Safety Auditing (2018)
- Introduces structured audits by accredited auditors to check real-world compliance inside facilities.
Recognition and Notification of Laboratories (2018)
- Sets technical and operational requirements for labs seeking FSSAI recognition for official testing.
- Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, FSDU, FSMP, Functional & Novel Food (2016)
- Governs supplements and specialised nutrition products, including purity criteria, ingredient rules, and claims.
Approval for Non-Specific Foods and Ingredients (2017)
- When a product doesn’t fall under any existing standard, this is the pathway for getting it approved before sale.
Organic Food (2017)
- Covers certification, traceability, and the correct way to label something as “organic.”
Alcoholic Beverages (2018)
- Defines how alcoholic drinks must be produced and labelled, along with category-wise rules.
Fortification of Food (2018)
- Sets requirements for adding nutrients to staples like oil, milk, flour, and salt.
Ayurveda Aahara (2022)
- Gives structure to Ayurvedic food categories based on traditional formulations while ensuring safety.
Vegan Foods (2022)
- Ensures vegan-labelled foods stay free from animal-origin ingredients and cross-contact risks.
check out FSSAI Vegan Food Product Regulations in India
Advertising and Claims (2018)
- Keeps promotional statements in check so brands don’t mislead consumers with unverified claims.
Packaging Regulation (2018)
- Talks about packaging material standards — what’s suitable, what’s not, and how it must protect the product.
Labelling and Display (2020)
- Modernised label rules covering allergens, nutrition tables, visibility criteria, and front-of-pack guidelines.
Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food (2019)
- Designed to make safe food donation easier for businesses and NGOs while preventing wastage.
Safe Food for School Children (2020)
- Focuses on what is served or sold in schools, aiming for better nutrition and safer food options for kids.
Foods for Infant Nutrition (2020)
- Extremely strict norms for infant formula and early childhood foods to ensure they meet safety and nutrition requirements.
A lot of businesses come to us right when they’re stuck—uncertain about which license they need, confused about labelling, or unsure whether their product falls under a special category. That’s exactly where Artixio’s food regulatory team adds value. We simplify the rules, prepare what’s needed, and guide you through every step until your product is fully compliant.
If you need help with food supplements, nutraceuticals, or general FSSAI compliance, explore our services here: Food Regulatory & Compliance Support in India.
References:
- https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/FOOD-ACT.pdf