From Patchwork to Pinpoint Authority
For years, food safety at Indian airports operated under a confusing patchwork of jurisdictions. Oversight could involve a mix of state food departments, airport health officers, and the airport operators themselves. This fragmentation often led to ambiguity
about who was ultimately responsible for enforcing standards at the countless food stalls, restaurants, lounges, and in-flight catering kitchens that serve India's bustling travel hubs. The result was a system with potential gaps, where standards could vary from one airport to another, or even between different vendors within the same terminal. This lack of a single, clear line of authority created challenges for both regulators trying to ensure compliance and for businesses navigating the complex web of rules.
FSSAI Takes a Direct Role
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped in to resolve this ambiguity. Through recent notifications and advisories, FSSAI has asserted its role as the primary regulator for all food business operators (FBOs) at airports. Specifically, a key notification expanded the jurisdiction of Central Food Safety Officers to explicitly include major international airports like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. This move formalises what has been a growing requirement: all food businesses operating on airport premises, from the smallest coffee kiosk to the largest airline catering company, must now obtain a central license directly from FSSAI. This directive replaces the confusing tiered system of local, state, and central licensing that depended on business turnover, creating a single, high standard for all.
What This Means for Your Next Trip
For the average passenger, this regulatory shift translates into greater peace of mind. When all vendors are held to the same stringent FSSAI central licensing standards, you can expect more consistency in hygiene, food handling, and quality control, regardless of which airport you are flying from. The FSSAI mandate also includes stricter rules around labelling and transparency. Airlines and caterers must provide clear information about the food, including the FSSAI license number, a 'use by' date, and the name of the caterer. This push for transparency was partly spurred by consumer complaints and incidents that highlighted gaps in the previous system, making it easier for travellers to know exactly what they are eating and who prepared it. It builds trust and ensures that the food served is not just convenient, but verifiably safe.
A Clearer Path for Businesses
While this change imposes a high bar for safety, it also offers a clearer, more streamlined compliance pathway for businesses. Instead of navigating multiple local authorities, a food vendor can now deal with a single central authority. This central FSSAI license is mandatory for all airport FBOs. The process involves a single application and a standard fee, simplifying the legal requirements for operating in a high-stakes environment like an airport. This uniformity helps level the playing field, ensuring that all operators are competing on quality and service while adhering to the same non-negotiable safety protocols. It also strengthens brand credibility, as displaying the FSSAI logo is a mark of quality that consumers recognise and trust.
