Decoding the New Auditor Rules
In May 2026, FSSAI released draft amendments to its 2018 Food Safety Auditing Regulations. The proposal introduces a more stringent and specific set of criteria for professionals who audit food businesses. Key among the changes is the mandatory requirement
for auditors to complete an accredited Lead Auditor course in Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000). This aligns Indian auditing practices with globally recognized standards. Furthermore, the proposal sets a clear bar for hands-on experience, demanding a minimum of two years' work in the food sector and the completion of at least ten audits.
An Expanded Knowledge Base
The draft also significantly expands the educational qualifications required. It specifies a comprehensive list of academic backgrounds, including degrees in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Public Health, among others. By broadening the scope from the previous, more limited list, FSSAI aims to ensure that auditors possess deep, sector-specific knowledge. This ensures that whether auditing a dairy, a meat processing plant, or a packaged goods manufacturer, the auditor has the relevant technical expertise to conduct a meaningful evaluation.
The Push for Visible Governance
This move is part of FSSAI's broader strategy of 'Maximum Governance, Minimum Government'. By professionalizing the third-party auditing ecosystem, the authority aims to strengthen its surveillance system and foster a culture of self-compliance within the food industry. The goal is to create a reliable and transparent framework where audits are not just a box-ticking exercise but a thorough assessment of a business's commitment to food safety. For food businesses, satisfactory audits can lead to less frequent regulatory inspections, allowing government resources to focus on higher-risk areas.
Impact on Food Businesses
For the thousands of food business operators (FBOs) in India, these changes will mean that the auditors visiting their facilities will be more qualified and thorough. While this raises the bar for compliance, it also offers an opportunity for businesses to build stronger, more resilient food safety management systems. High-risk food categories are already subject to mandatory audits, and this new proposal ensures the quality of those audits will be higher. Over time, this is expected to build greater consumer trust and enhance the brand reputation of compliant businesses in both domestic and international markets.
What's Next for the Proposal?
The draft regulations, published on May 21, 2026, were opened for public consultation for a period of sixty days. This allows stakeholders from the food industry, auditing bodies, and the public to provide feedback, objections, and suggestions. Once the consultation period ends, FSSAI will review the input before finalizing and notifying the new regulations. Food businesses and aspiring auditors should watch these developments closely to understand the final requirements and prepare for implementation.
