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India’s food and consumer protection sector witnessed significant developments during March to June 2026, led primarily by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (“MoHFW”). On March 2, 2026, FSSAI conducted the 49th Central Advisory Committee meeting, urging States and Union Territories (“UTs”) to strengthen food safety enforcement through risk-based inspections and targeted surveillance of high-risk food categories such as milk products, edible oils, spices, and honey. The discussions focused on stricter action against non-compliant food businesses, improving transparency in enforcement outcomes, and expediting recruitment of food safety personnel to address manpower gaps. Emphasis was also placed on timely resolution of consumer complaints, strengthening centralised surveillance systems, enhancing data driven monitoring of food safety trends, improving coordination between regulators and States, as well as streamlining licensing and registration processes to balance ease of compliance with effective regulatory oversight[1].
Further, MoHFW has approved major food regulatory reforms to promote ease of doing business and strengthen food safety framework. Key changes include perpetual validity of FSSAI registrations and licences, eliminating periodic renewals, and revised turnover thresholds effective from April 1, 2026. Street food vendors registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 will be deemed registered under FSSAI, eliminating the requirement for multiple registrations across departments. A technology enabled risk-based inspection system is introduced to prioritise inspections based on product risk, compliance history, audit performance, and enforcement and compliance inputs, enabling efficient enforcement[2].
FSSAI has also notified amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, refining requirements relating to nutritional disclosures, non-retail packaging, exemptions for minimally processed raw agricultural products, and mandatory information on bulk food containers. These amendments, scheduled to come into force from July 01, 2027, reflect the regulator’s continued focus on transparency and traceability within India’s food supply chain. Policy discussions around front-of-pack labelling continued to remain prominent, with regulatory scrutiny increasing over delays in finalising India’s proposed warning-label framework intended to help consumers make informed nutritional choices.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) has extended the suspension on trading in derivative contracts in the commodities such as paddy (not basmati), wheat, chana, crude palm oil, mustard seeds and its derivatives, soya bean and its derivatives, and moong till March 31, 2027[3].
To facilitate simultaneous processing of inspection / sampling activities and fee payment, thus reducing dwell time of imported food consignments, FSSAI has initiated system improvements within the Food Import Clearance System (“FICS”) integrated with Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (“SWIFT”) / Indian Customs Electronic Gateway[4].
On April 9, 2026, the NITI Aayog released 2 (two) reports titled ‘Ease of Doing Research and Development (“R&D”) in India” and the ‘Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India’, to enable a more efficient, facilitative, and innovation-driven research ecosystem in the country[5].
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, through a notification dated May 7, 2026, appointed May 15, 2026, as the date on which the provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, relating to the Live-stock Importation Act,1898 will come into force.
By way of an advisory dated May 18, 2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (“MoCA”), has clarified that under the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (“Metrology Act”), the units of weight and measure prescribed are based on the metric system and the International System of Units (“SI units”), that are legally recognised standard units. However, use of customary units as supplementary or additional statements may be permitted, pursuant to complying by certain prescribed conditions. This will facilitate ease of trade, consumer understanding, international commercial practices, and practical market usage, while maintaining the primacy, uniformity, and legal sanctity of standard SI units (metric) prescribed under the legal metrology framework.
Additionally, on May 21, 2026, MoCA has issued another advisory on implementation of recommendations relating to the functioning of repairers under the legal metrology framework. Accordingly, the State Government/UT Administrations are requested to consider the eligibility conditions for repairers, conditions for registration/continuation of repairers, and reduction of compliance burden through risk-based selection for verification mechanism while implementing the provisions of the Metrology Act.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment, on June 1, 2026, issued an advisory applicable to a wide range of digital platforms, including ride-sharing, food and grocery delivery, logistics, e-commerce, professional services, healthcare, travel and hospitality, and content and media services. In this regard, all online aggregators are directed to register on the eShram portal and complete API integration by June 21, 2026. Aggregators are required to onboard the unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers, facilitate generation and linkage of the Universal Account Number, and periodically upload worker engagement and payment-related information through the designated portal. Further, failure to comply may attract penal consequences under Section 133 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Further, on June 22, 2026, the Central Government has notified October 1, 2026, as the date on which the provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 relating to amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (as specified under serial number 62 of the Schedule) will come into force. These amendments deal with the decriminalisation of penalty for provisions relating to the imposition of court fines in cases involving false complaints against food safety officers. The provision relating to obstructing or resisting a food safety officer has been omitted.
Subsequently, MoCA, through a press release dated June 29, 2026, has introduced an improvement notice mechanism under the Metrology Act through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. The reform allows businesses committing specified first-time procedural or regulatory non-compliances to rectify deficiencies within a prescribed period before penal proceedings are initiated, promoting voluntary compliance, reducing litigation and easing the compliance burden while retaining strict enforcement against fraud, repeated violations and other offences affecting consumer interests.
Collectively, these developments indicate a dual regulatory approach by Indian authorities easing procedural compliance for legitimate food businesses while simultaneously strengthening labelling, transparency, and enforcement mechanisms to enhance consumer protection and food safety standards across the sector.
Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026
FSSAI, vide notification dated March 11, 2026, has amended the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 (“Licensing Regulations”). Some of the key amendments are as follows:
- the definition of ‘petty food manufacturer’ is substituted by ‘petty Food Business Operator (“FBO”)’ to mean any FBO who manufactures or sells articles of food for himself or petty retailer, street food vendor, hawker, itinerant vendor or temporary stall holder or food truck or distributes foods including in any religious or social gathering, except a caterer or such other food business including small scale or cottage or such other industries relating to food business or tiny food business. Further, the conditions of minimum turnover, production capacity of food, procurement/collection/ slaughtering capacity are omitted in the substituted definition;
- FSSAI may grant registration certificate to a petty FBO instantly on submission of requisite documents and may specify any condition or procedure in this regard;
- street food vendors, hawkers, food trucks, carts and any such other food businesses registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 will be considered registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006;
- a license and registration certificate granted under the Licensing Regulations will be valid and subsisting, unless otherwise suspended, cancelled or surrendered; and
- FSSAI may provide a scheme of periodic inspection and food safety audit of the food businesses. Frequency and nature of inspections must be determined through a dynamic risk-based mechanism, type of food business, past compliance history, third-party audit results and risk category of food handled.
Pursuant to the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, FSSAI, vide circular dated March 13, 2026, has specified the revised turnover threshold for food businesses under the Licensing Regulations as follows:
- Registration: turnover up to INR 1,50,00,000 (Indian Rupees one crore fifty lakh);
- State license: turnover above INR 1,50,00,000 (Indian Rupees one crore fifty lakh) and up to INR 50,00,00,000 (Indian Rupees fifty crore); and
- Central license: turnover above INR 50,00,00,000 (Indian Rupees fifty crore).
Further, on March 27, 2026, the frequently asked questions on Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026 were released, to facilitate the smooth implementation of the amendment as well as to guide FBOs and field functionaries.
Advisory regarding mandatory registration/license by milk producers
FSSAI, vide circular dated March 11, 2026, has issued an advisory in view of recent incidents involving suspected adulteration of milk. FSSAI has urged all States/UTs to ensure strict compliance with registration / licensing requirements. In this regard, all milk producers (other than those who are registered members of a dairy cooperative society) and milk vendors are advised to mandatorily register themselves with FSSAI, before commencing or continuing their operations.
Additionally, it is also advised to inspect milk chillers (used by the milk producer/milk vendors) periodically to ensure proper storage temperature and necessary requirements of the chiller are maintained. Further, States/UTs are also directed to undertake special registration drives in their respective jurisdiction to ensure that all milk producers (who are not members of dairy cooperative society)/milk vendors should have the requisite FSSAI registration certificate / license, as applicable.
Legal Metrology (General) Third Amendment Rules, 2026
MoCA, vide notification dated March 12, 2026, has amended the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. Accordingly, Rules 16 (Conditions, etc. for manufacture of a weight or measure exclusively for export), 21 (Permission to get manufactured non-standard weight or measure for scientific investigation or research), and 21A (Conditions, etc. for manufacture of a non-standard weight or measure exclusively for scientific investigation or research) of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, are omitted.
Compliance obligations of e-commerce FBOs in the context of Open Network for Digital Commerce model
Open Network for Digital Commerce (“ONDC”), an initiative of the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, is a decentralised and open network model. In this model, a single transaction involves multiple entities, such as buyer-side platforms (called buyer apps) and seller-side platforms (called seller apps). This is in contrast to the existing model of e-commerce, wherein all functions are managed by a single entity. Based on representations from ONDC, FSSAI, vide circular dated March 18, 2026, has issued clarifications outlining compliance responsibilities for e-commerce FBOs operating under the ONDC model. Accordingly, the clear demarcation of liabilities and rationalised obligations divided between the entities involved in this model are specified to come into effect from April 1, 2026. The framework provides clarity on regulatory obligations in a decentralised digital commerce ecosystem for buyer apps and seller apps. All e-commerce FBOs must obtain a Central FSSAI license and the compliance obligations apply to all entities involved in food transactions.
Implementation of ‘food recall’ functionality under the Food Safety Compliance System
To streamline food recall and its monitoring, FSSAI, vide circular dated March 18, 2026, has implemented the ‘food recall’ functionality in the Food Safety Compliance System (“FoSCoS”) system as below:
- for Designated Officers/Central Licensing Authorities: All new food recalls initiated by the enforcement authorities must be created in the FoSCoS system by using their respective login. The enforcement authorities must also view the existing food recall created in the FoSCoS and record subsequent actions, as appropriate;
- for FBOs: All FBOs must create the food recall initiated by them and record subsequent actions by using their FoSCoS login. Further, all food recalls created by the enforcement authorities must be visible to the concerned FBOs under section ‘view food recall’ for taking necessary actions, as appropriate; and
- for stakeholders / consumers: The information on food recall can be accessed by the stakeholders / consumers on FoSCoS homepage under the name ‘food recall’.
Restoration of remission of duties and taxes on exported products rates
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (“MoCI”), vide notification dated March 23, 2026, has made amendments to the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (“RoDTEP”) scheme. Through this amendment, MoCI has restored the original RoDTEP rates and value caps as prescribed in the notification titled ‘Rationalisation of RoDTEP rates’ dated February 22, 2026, for all eligible exports, effective from February 23, 2026, to March 31, 2026. This step is intended to provide timely support to Indian exporters facing elevated freight costs and war-related trade risks arising from disruptions in the Gulf and the wider West Asia maritime corridor[6].
Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, 2026
FSSAI, vide notification dated March 24, 2026, has amended the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. It introduces significant changes in labelling norms, especially for non-retail food packages, fortified foods, and health-related disclosures. These amendments will come into force on July 1, 2027. Some of the key amendments are as follows:
- under the labelling requirement of pre-packaged foods, the nutritional information of per serve percentage (%) contribution to recommended dietary allowances and number of servings per pack are not mandatory for infant nutrition products;
- under the labelling requirement of pre-packaged foods, the nutritional information of the foods that are exempted from mandatory nutritional labelling is amended to include raw agricultural minimally processed products such as wheat, rice, cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables and / or products that comprise a single ingredient (previously it included unprocessed products that comprise a single ingredient);
- health supplements, nutraceuticals and foods for special dietary uses in tablet, pills and capsule format, with respect to macronutrients, when sources of energy are insignificant, are exempted from mandatory nutritional labelling;
- as regards exemptions from certain labelling requirements of pre-packaged foods, it provides that the logos notified under any food safety and standards regulations may not be given where the surface area of the package is not more than 100 (one hundred) square centimetres, but this information must be given on the multiunit packages;
- the parameter of ‘net quantity’ is excluded from the list of mandatory information to be provided either on the container or pasted on the label of every packaged food meant for non-retail sale, and may instead be provided in the accompanying documents, subject to the prescribed traceability requirements;
- information and the statements required to appear on the label by virtue of the principal regulations or any other regulations must be clear, prominent, readily legible and applied in such a manner that any tampering with it will be evident. Further, the mandatory information required on the label under Regulation 10 (1) must appear in a prominent position on the non-retail container and must be readily accessible under normal handling and use of the container; and
- the warning statement must be clearly legible or audible in advertisements related to pan masala.
Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026
The Ministry of Steel, vide notification dated March 30, 2026, has mandated BIS certification for specified cookware, utensils and cans for foods and beverages, namely stainless steel utensils (IS 14756:2024), stainless steel sinks for domestic purposes (IS 13983:1994), and three-piece round open top metal cans for foods and beverages (IS 18427:2024). The notified goods must conform to the applicable Indian Standard and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence. The Order exempts goods manufactured domestically for export; declared stock manufactured or imported before the applicable implementation date (subject to the prescribed conditions); goods imported into India when filled with solid, liquid or gaseous material; and up to 200 goods or articles imported annually by manufacturers for research and development, provided they are not sold commercially, are disposed of as scrap, and the prescribed records are maintained and furnished to the Central Government.
System improvement in payment workflow for visual inspection and laboratory testing charges in FICS/SWIFT
To streamline the food import clearance workflow and to improve operational efficiency, FSSAI, vide circular dated April 10, 2026, has introduced flexibility in the timing of fee payment by importers in the SWIFT/ FICS. Under this system improvement, importers /customs brokers are now allowed to make requisite fee payment after visual inspection but before Provisional No Objection Certificate (“P-NOC”) or No Objection Certificate (“NOC”) or Non-Conformance Report (“NCR”) generation, as the case may be. Further, payment of all applicable fees will remain mandatory prior to generation of the final clearance decision for the issue of final certificate for P-NOC/NOC/NCR, as made by the applicant.
Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0
MoCI, vide notification dated April 13, 2026, has approved the establishment of ‘Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0’ with a total corpus of INR 10,000 crore (Indian Rupees ten thousand crore) for the purpose of mobilising venture capital for the startup ecosystem of the country. The scheme will contribute to the corpus of SEBI-registered Alternate Investment Funds (“AIFs”) for investing in equity and equity-linked instruments of entities recognised as startups by the Central Government. Some of the key features of the scheme are as follows:
- Expanded sectoral focus: The scheme adopts a segmented approach targeting: (a) deep-tech startups; (b) smaller micro venture capital funds supporting early-stage startups; (c) technology-driven manufacturing startups aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and (d) sector-agnostic startups.
- Operational flexibility for capital-intensive sectors: The scheme contemplates larger corpus support for AIFs investing in deep-tech and manufacturing sectors, support for longer-duration funds, higher Government contribution for sectors where private capital remains limited, and moderation of investment multiplier.
- Support for startup ecosystem development: Up to 5% of returns generated under the scheme may be deployed towards ecosystem development initiatives such as sensitisation, mentorship, workshops, capacity building, plug-and-play infrastructure, and regulatory support.
- Co-investment framework: The scheme may also function as an umbrella platform for co-investment by ministries, departments and institutional investors into specified sectors or themes.
- Strengthened governance and monitoring: An Empowered Committee chaired by the Secretary, Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (“DPIIT”) will oversee implementation and performance of the scheme. A Venture Capital Investment Committee, constituted by DPIIT, will evaluate AIF proposals for funding under the scheme.
Advisory regarding non-use of Ashwagandha leaves in crude or extract or any other form in food products
FSSAI, vide advisory dated April 16, 2026, has clarified that the use of Ashwagandha leaves in crude or extract or any other form is not permitted under the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016. Further, the Ministry of Ayush, vide letter dated April 15, 2026, has also directed Ayush drug/product manufacturers to use only Ashwagandha roots and their extracts and not the leaves, in any form.
Monitoring the sale of fresh fruits for the use of unauthorised or prohibited artificial ripening agents
FSSAI, vide circular dated April 16, 2026, has advised all Commissioners of Food Safety of States/UTs and Regional Directors of FSSAI to intensify inspections and maintain strict vigilance over fruit markets/mandis, as well as storage facilities, wholesalers, and distributors, particularly where seasonal fruits are stored and the use of substances like masala is suspected. It further recommends special enforcement drives to curb the illegal use of calcium carbide or other non-permitted ripening agents, wax, and synthetic colours. The enforcement official may also use strip paper tests to detect the presence of acetylene in godowns or ripening chambers for the artificial ripening of fruits. The presence of calcium carbide on the premises or alongside fruit crates may be treated as circumstantial evidence for initiating prosecution against the FBO under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Enforcement of provisions under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026
MoCA, vide notification dated April 27, 2026, has appointed May 1, 2026, as the enforcement date for amendments to the Metrology Act, as introduced by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Second Amendment Rules, 2026
MoCI, vide notification dated April 27, 2026, has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The amendment rules mandate that every e-commerce entity offering for sale any imported product must, with effect from July 1, 2027, ensure that the product listing of such imported product contains a searchable and sortable filter specifying the country of origin.
Enforcement of the new standards for meat sausages
FSSAI, vide circular dated April 27, 2026, has further extended the compliance period for the new standards of meat sausages under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2025 for a period of 6 (six) months from May 1, 2026.
Implementing the process for prior approval and risk assessment through the single window system
To ensure parity and transparency in risk assessment and approval mechanisms, FSSAI, though an office order dated May 6, 2026, has decided to implement a single window system through the electronic Product and Claim Approval Application System (“ePAAS”) with effect from June 1, 2026. The ePAAS will serve as a unified digital interface for the submission, processing, monitoring, and appeal/review of all applications related to the prior approval and risk assessment of products, ingredients, and claims, as applicable under relevant regulations.
Consequently, applications for risk assessment and approval, such as those for non-specified food and food ingredients, authorisation of r-PET, approval of claims, approval of ayurveda aahara, vegan endorsement must be submitted exclusively through the ePAAS portal.
Frequently asked questions on legal metrology
On May 13, 2026, the Department of Consumer Affairs Legal Metrology Division, has issued frequently asked questions on legal metrology, clarifying on the disclosures, verifications in various rules. This answers important questions pertaining to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, and Metrology Act.
Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026
FSSAI, vide notification dated May 19, 2026, has amended the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011. It aims to strengthen food safety standards relating to contaminants, toxins, and veterinary drug residues in food products. The contaminant limits and testing requirements for metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium in pulses, pulse flours, edible oils, and fish oils are revised and limits for saffrole in foods and beverages containing mace or nutmeg kernel are prescribed. Standards relating to aflatoxins in oils and oilseeds are updated and additional residue limits for veterinary drugs, including Trimethoprim and Oxolinic acid, in seafood products are introduced. The amendments will come into force on December 1, 2026.
Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2026
FSSAI, vide notification dated May 25, 2026, has amended the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022. The logo specified for the vegan food under Regulation 4 (labelling and display requirements) is amended. The notification prescribes the exact size of the logo in millimetre to be used for all vegan food products. The amendment will come into force on July 1, 2027.
Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026
FSSAI, vide notification dated May 27, 2026, has amended the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. Regulation 2(3.14) (8), which provided restrictions on the sale of sal-seed fat is omitted.
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Third Amendment Rules, 2026
FSSAI, vide notification dated May 29, 2026, has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. Some of the key amendments are as follows:
- an explanation is added to Rule 4 (pertaining to regulation for pre-packing and sale etc. of commodities in packaged form) to state that importers are allowed to make mandatory declarations at bonded warehouses of Authorised Economic Operators Tier-2 and Tier-3 certified operators in India, subject to certain conditions. However, retail packages must have all mandatory declarations before leaving the bonded warehouses of Authorised Economic Operators Tier-2 and Tier-3 certified operators;
- the application for registration under Rule 27 (registration of manufacturers, packers and importers) must include the name of the director of the company responsible for violations under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011;
- while making any alterations in the registration certificate, the company or firm must annually update its details with change in any particulars; and
- registration certificates will remain valid until cancelled.
Advisory regarding amendment in the standard operating procedure for determination of net quantity and standard pack sizes for edible oils and fats
To promote consumer clarity, transparency and ease of price comparison, MoCA, vide advisory dated June 5, 2026, has amended the Standard Operating Procedure (“SoP“) dated December 29, 2023, governing the determination of net quantity and standard pack sizes for edible oils and fats under the Legal Metrology framework. The advisory introduces new provisions to the SoP under paragraph 6. Among others, the advisory prescribes standard pack sizes (200g to 20kg (or equivalent volumes in litres)) for major edible oils, mandates weight declarations when quantity is stated by volume, and applies uniformly to domestic and imported products with a 3 (three) month transition period for compliance. Minor edible oils are exempted from the standard pack size requirement and continue to comply with unit sale price declaration provisions under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
Withdrawal of method for determination of fruit content in fruit juices
FSSAI vide order dated June 12, 2026, has withdrawn the method for determination of fruit content in fruit juices as available in the manual of methods of analysis of foods for fruit and vegetable products. Until a revised method is approved by FSSAI, food testing laboratories may adopt any validated method of analysis prescribed by Association of Official Analytical Chemists, the International Organisation for Standardisation, Pearson’s, Jacob, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Food Chemicals CODEX, the Bureau of Indian Standards, Woodmen, Winton-Winton, Joslyn, or any other internationally recognised regulatory agency.
Immediate discontinuation of use of metallic pins/wires in food products and packaging materials
In the interest of public health and food safety, FSSAI has issued an advisory dated June 12, 2026, directing all FBOs to immediately discontinue the use of metallic/staple pins, wires, or similar materials for sealing, fastening, securing, or packaging any food item, food parcel, takeaway meal, bakery product, cake box, sweet box, snack packet, or any other food item or package, citing serious food safety risks and potential consumer injury.
Use of food grade and corrosion-resistant knives, blades, and other cutting equipment by food businesses
FSSAI vide advisory dated June 15, 2026, has directed all FBOs to comply with the hygienic and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Further, all FBOs are directed to ensure the following:
- only food-grade, corrosion-resistant knives, blades, and cutting equipment are to be used in food handling and processing operations;
- knives, blades, and cutting equipment are to be maintained in a sound and hygienic condition, free from rust, corrosion, chipping, paint, cracks, breakage, or any other defect that may contaminate food;
- rusted, corroded, chipped, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable knives, blades, and cutting equipment are to be immediately removed from use and replaced; and
- adequate cleaning, sanitisation, and sterilisation procedures, wherever applicable, are to be in place for knives, blades, and cutting equipment at prescribed intervals.
Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Second Amendment Rules, 2026
MoCA vide notification dated June 17, 2026, has amended the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013. Through this amendment Rule 18 (Fees for applying for Government Approved Test Centre of weights or measures to be deposited) is modified. A fee of INR 10,000 (Indian Rupees ten thousand) will be payable at the time of renewal of recognition of a Government Approved Test Centre for a period of 1 (one) year in respect of each equipment, (previously a fee of INR 2,00,000 (Indian Rupees two lakh) (per weight or measure) was payable at the time of renewal of recognition for a period of 1 (one) year in respect of each equipment).
Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) second Amendment Regulations, 2026
To strengthen food safety, inventory management and regulatory compliance, FSSAI, vide notification dated June 24, 2026, has issued the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Second Amendment Regulations, 2026, amending the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Some of the key amendments are as follows:
- Schedule 2 (Conditions of Licence) is amended by substituting the requirement to maintain daily records of production and raw material utilisation, with an exemption for non-manufacturing food businesses. Licensed food manufacturers must maintain separate daily records of production and raw material utilisation; and
- Schedule 4 (General Requirements on Hygienic and Sanitary Practices to be followed by all food business operators applying for Licence) is amended to revise storage and handling requirements for food products by mandating ‘First in First Out’ and ‘First Expire First Out’ principles, with exemption for retailers.
Supreme Court of India upholds consumer courts’ statutory power to award compensation despite contractual restrictions
The Supreme Court of India, inter alia, held that the power of consumer fora to award compensation for delay in completion and handing over possession of flats to homebuyers is statutory in nature. It further held that such power cannot be curtailed by nominal compensation clauses in builder-buyer agreements, which operate to their detriment.
By holding that such restrictive stipulations cannot operate to the detriment of consumers, the judgment regulates the balance between contractual rights and statutory consumer protection. It carries significant implications for risk allocation in real estate transactions.
For a detailed analysis, please refer to the JSA Prism of March 5, 2026.
This Newsletter has been prepared by:
|
Vivek K Chandy |
Saurya Bhattacharya |
Ishaan Bhatnagar |
For more details, please contact km@jsalaw.com.
[1] FSSAI Press Release dated March 2, 2026
[2] MoFHW Press Release dated March 13, 2026
[3] SEBI Press Release dated March 27, 2026
[4] FSSAI Public Notice dated April 10, 2026
[5] NITI Ayog Press Release dated April 10, 2026
[6] Press Release dated March 23, 2026
