No Tip, No Problem: CCPA Slams Delhi Restaurants
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated suo moto action against five Delhi restaurants for their alleged failure to refund mandatory service charges to customers. The current action against these Delhi-based restaurants serves as a strong warning to the hospitality industry that the mandatory levy of service charges will not be tolerated.
FSSAI Lifts Suspension on Jubilant Pharma and Reliable Analytical Labs
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced the immediate revocation of the suspension imposed on two testing laboratories: M/s. Jubilant Pharma and Chemical Lab (OPC) Pvt. Ltd., located in Navi Mumbai, and M/s. Reliable Analytical Labs Pvt. Ltd., based in Mumbai.
Delhi High Court Upholds Voluntary Nature of Service Charges in Restaurants
Restaurants can still request a service charge but must clearly inform customers that it is voluntary. The Court emphasized consumer choice as paramount and reinforced the principle that pricing freedom cannot override consumer protection laws.
Union Health Minister Leads “Liver Health Pledge” on World Liver Day
In commemoration of World Liver Day 2025, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare spearheaded a “Liver Health Pledge Ceremony” at a health camp organized by the Ministry at Nirman Bhawan. The event underscored this year’s global theme: “Food is Medicine,” highlighting the vital link between nutrition and liver well-being.
FSSAI Releases List of Recognized Food Testing Labs with NABL Accreditation
This list serves as a resource for stakeholders involved in food safety and quality control. By providing details of FSSAI-recognized and NABL-accredited laboratories, the authority aims to ensure that food samples are analyzed by competent and reliable facilities, adhering to established standards.
FSSAI Seeks Public Input on Clear Labelling of ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ Products
The FSSAI is now requesting stakeholders to furnish their comments and suggestions on consultation paper on compliance with the provisions of ‘analogue in the dairy context’. The deadline for submitting comments and suggestions is June 15, 2025.
FSSAI Reconstitutes Key Scientific Panels
The revised composition applies specifically to the Scientific Panels on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Food Contact Materials (SP-01), Genetically Modified Organisms and Foods (SP-04), Sweets, Confectionery, Sweetener, Sugar and Honey (SP-16), and Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, Dietetic Products and Other Similar Products (SP-05). The FSSAI has clarified that this order only supersedes the earlier orders with respect to the composition of the four specifically mentioned Scientific Panels. The composition of other Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee remains unchanged.
FSSAI Upgrades Food Packaging Material to “Critical” in Inspection Checklists
The new checklist requires that packaging material used shall have Certificate of conformity issued by NABL accredited laboratory against the FSS (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. Inspectors will check for records of this conformity certificate during inspections.
FSSAI to Hold Stakeholder Meeting on Proposed Food Safety Standards
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a stakeholder meeting to discuss proposed new food safety standards and amendments to existing regulations. The meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi. For those unable to attend in person, the FSSAI has provided an online platform through Webex. Stakeholders are requested to confirm their attendance, whether physical or online, to help with logistical arrangements.
Milk on the Mandate: Tamil Nadu’s Public Utility Power Play
Govt of TN has declared all institutions engaged in the procurement, storage, and distribution of milk, along with the manufacture as public utility services.
