Divided Duties: FSSAI vs. States
In India's food safety landscape, a clear division of labor exists. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) primarily functions as the
standard-setter and policy architect at the national level. It is tasked with developing regulations and overarching guidelines for food businesses across the country. However, the practical implementation of these standards, which includes the crucial processes of licensing food establishments, conducting routine inspections, and taking enforcement actions against non-compliant businesses, largely falls under the jurisdiction of state governments and their respective food safety authorities. This bifurcation means that a vast majority, nearly 98%, of food businesses operate under the direct purview of state agencies for their day-to-day regulatory needs. While this framework aims for efficiency, it has sparked discussions about accountability, with many questioning whether FSSAI can entirely disassociate itself from on-ground enforcement outcomes, especially when food safety incidents occur.
Past Incidents Shape Scrutiny
The ongoing focus on regulatory oversight in India's food sector is significantly influenced by a history of high-profile food safety controversies. Events such as the prolonged ban and subsequent reintroduction of Maggi noodles, concerns over the quality of infant food products, and recurring examinations of spice and masala brands have repeatedly placed the effectiveness of regulatory mechanisms under the spotlight. These incidents not only highlight potential weaknesses in enforcement at the state level but also raise questions about the efficacy of surveillance, standard setting, and responsive action frameworks at the central FSSAI level. Government insiders acknowledge that in several of these critical situations, the central government has intervened to strengthen existing norms. This underlines the fact that FSSAI, as the principal national authority, ultimately remains answerable for the overall integrity of the food safety system, even as states carry out much of the direct enforcement.
FY26 Enforcement Surge
The fiscal year 2025–26 has witnessed a notable acceleration in food safety enforcement activities, primarily driven by the efforts of state-level authorities. During this period, food establishments across the nation underwent a staggering 3,97,009 inspections. Furthermore, a substantial 1,65,747 food samples were collected and analyzed up to the third quarter, revealing that 17.16% of these samples failed to meet the required standards, prompting regulatory interventions. The legal arm of enforcement has also seen considerable strengthening, with 23,580 adjudication cases being resolved, leading to 1,756 criminal convictions. Financial penalties totaling ₹154.87 crore were imposed on non-compliant entities. In a proactive move to safeguard consumers, 945 food recalls were initiated throughout the year, ensuring that potentially unsafe products were withdrawn from the market before reaching the public.
States: The Frontline Force
The robust enforcement figures for FY26 clearly emphasize the pivotal role played by Indian states in upholding food safety legislation. At the state level, Commissioners of Food Safety have been instrumental in spearheading these enforcement drives, while Designated Officers, operating at the district level, have managed the critical functions of licensing and adjudication. The day-to-day operations, including conducting inspections, collecting samples for analysis, and investigating consumer complaints, are handled by Food Safety Officers who constitute the essential frontline workforce. For matters pertaining to civil violations, Additional District Magistrates serve as Adjudicating Officers. These officials are vested with the authority to impose penalties and mandate corrective actions to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Formalizing Informal Sector
A significant focus during the recent enforcement period has been the systematic integration of the informal food sector into the formal regulatory framework. This initiative has successfully brought over 10 lakh street food vendors under the purview of regulatory oversight, thereby contributing to an improvement in hygiene standards at the grassroots level. To streamline compliance for businesses, licensing norms have been revised and rationalized, with turnover thresholds now serving as the primary basis for determining licensing requirements. Concurrently, FSSAI has been actively working to bolster the nation's food testing capabilities. This has involved the notification of 18 additional laboratories, including state-of-the-art facilities established in Singtam and Tirumala, significantly enhancing the capacity to detect various forms of contamination in food products.
Collective Responsibility, High Expectations
The evolving landscape of food safety in India signifies a maturing regulatory ecosystem, characterized by a collaborative approach where both the central government and state administrations share significant responsibilities. However, experts strongly caution against diluting accountability within this shared framework. They emphasize that while the operational structure is designed for collaboration, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring food safety is a collective one. FSSAI, in its capacity as the national regulator, cannot abdicate its overarching role, even as states manage direct enforcement. As enforcement activities intensify and consumer awareness continues to rise, the scrutiny directed towards both state authorities and the central regulator is expected to escalate. For consumers, the core concern remains not the jurisdictional boundaries, but rather a profound trust in the system responsible for safeguarding the food they consume daily.
