Food Laws and Regulations in India

Food laws and regulations in India are primarily governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI is responsible for setting food safety standards, issuing licenses to food businesses, and enforcing food safety regulations in India.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006, all food businesses in India are required to obtain a license from the FSSAI in order to operate. The Act also specifies the standards that must be followed for the production, handling, and storage of food, as well as the labeling and advertising of food products.

In addition to the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006, there are other laws that regulate specific types of food in India, such as the Meat Food Products Order, 1973, which regulates the production and sale of meat and meat products; the Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992, which regulates the production and sale of milk and milk products; and the Fruit Products Order, 1955, which regulates the production and sale of fruit and fruit products.

India has also adopted the Codex Alimentarius, a set of international food safety standards developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These standards provide guidance on the production, processing, packaging, and storage of food products, as well as the labeling and advertising of food products.

In summary, food laws and regulations in India are designed to ensure the safety and quality of food products for consumers and to protect public health. These laws and regulations are implemented and enforced by the FSSAI and are designed to align with international standards for food safety.