FSSAI Intensifies Monitoring of Artificial Fruit Ripening Amid Mango Season

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to Commissioners of Food Safety across all States and Union Territories, as well as its own Regional Directors, to heighten surveillance on the sale of fresh fruits, particularly mangoes, to curb the use of unauthorized and prohibited artificial ripening agents.

No Need to Panic: Ample Essential Food Stocks Available Nationwide

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has firmly stated that there is no shortage of essential commodities across the country, urging citizens not to panic or engage in unnecessary bulk buying. He specifically cautioned the public against believing “propaganda messages” circulating about food stocks.

FSSAI Recognizes Nepal’s National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory for Food Sample Analysis

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially recognized the National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL) located in Kathmandu, Nepal, for the analysis of food samples intended for import into India. This significant development follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between the FSSAI and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) of Nepal, aimed at fostering cooperation in the critical area of food safety.

FSSAI Releases List of Recognized Food Testing Labs with NABL Accreditation

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released an updated list of its recognized laboratories, along with the validity of their National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation as of May 8, 2025, and their contact details. This information is provided to facilitate the analysis of food samples collected under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its associated rules and regulations.

FSSAI Plans to Restrict Registrations In Key Food Categories

Under the proposal, only State or Central Licenses would be permitted for the manufacturing of these items. The FSSAI plans a special drive to convert existing Registered FBOs manufacturing these products to the License category. A reasonable transition period of six months is proposed to allow FBOs to shift and utilize existing packaging materials. Post-transition, the FoSCoS portal will be modified to remove these products from Registration Certificates.

New Sugar (Control) Order 2025 Sweetens Regulations

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has issued a new order, the Sugar (Control) Order, 2025, effective from its publication date of May 1, 2025. This order, released by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, supersedes the long-standing Sugar (Control) Order, 1966, and the more recent Sugar Price (Control) Order, 2018.

FSSAI Empowers Consumers to Report Misleading Food Claims via App and Portal

The digital tool simplifies the submission of crucial details necessary for regulatory action. Consumers can now easily upload front-of-pack images clearly highlighting the misleading claim, along with the FSSAI license or registration number of the manufacturer. Furthermore, if the product is being sold online, the e-commerce URL can also be provided.

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.