Latest Government Food Laws and Regulations in India

Food labels provide consumers with important information about the product, including ingredients, nutritional information, allergen-related information, dates, quantity, and other applicable declarations.

The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 form an important part of India's food laws relating to food labelling.

FSSAI has continued to issue amendments and directions related to labelling. For example, in March 2026, the authority published the First Amendment Regulations, 2026 relating to certain labelling and display requirements.

Businesses should ensure that their labels are reviewed against the latest applicable requirements before products are manufactured or marketed.

Packaging is another important area covered by Indian food laws.

The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 prescribe requirements relating to materials that come into contact with food.

Food businesses need to ensure that packaging materials are appropriate for their intended use and comply with applicable food safety requirements.

FSSAI also published a draft amendment concerning packaging materials for pan masala in April 2026, demonstrating that packaging requirements can continue to evolve.

Not every food product can be manufactured or sold without considering prescribed standards.

The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 establish standards for various food products and regulate permitted food additives.

These standards can cover aspects such as composition, ingredients, quality parameters, and permitted additives.

FSSAI's current product standards framework includes regulations relating to food products and additives, contaminants, supplements and nutraceuticals, organic foods, alcoholic beverages, and food fortification.

Food contamination can occur through different sources, including chemical contaminants, naturally occurring toxins, pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, and other substances.

The Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations establish requirements and limits for relevant contaminants and residues.

A significant development in 2026 was the final amendment relating to metal contaminants, naturally occurring toxic substances, and antibiotic residues, notified by FSSAI in May 2026.

Food manufacturers and processors should regularly review applicable standards and testing requirements to maintain food safety.

Another important area of food laws is food recall.

If a food product is identified as unsafe or does not meet applicable requirements, an effective recall system can help businesses remove affected products from the market and protect consumers.

FSSAI has a dedicated Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulation, 2017, and the FoSCoS platform currently highlights implementation of food recall functionality within its compliance system.

Businesses should have appropriate traceability and recall procedures in place, particularly when handling large-scale production and distribution.

Food businesses often use claims such as "healthy," "natural," "high protein," "low fat," "sugar-free," or similar statements to promote products.

Such claims cannot simply be used without considering applicable requirements.

The Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 form part of India's food laws governing advertising and claims associated with food products.

Businesses should ensure that marketing claims are accurate, supportable, and compliant with applicable FSSAI requirements.

Food safety is not limited to the final product. Hygiene and sanitation throughout the production and handling process are equally important.

Food businesses should maintain appropriate practices for:

Personal hygiene

Cleaning and sanitation

Raw material storage

Pest control

Water quality

Temperature control

Waste management

Food handling

Storage and transportation

A June 2026 Gazette notification relating to licensing and registration regulations included requirements concerning daily production and raw-material records and clarified FIFO/FEFO practices for relevant food operations.

Maintaining proper records can help businesses demonstrate that food safety procedures are being followed consistently.