AIFPA

Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified 97 out of 220 local ice cream, ice candy, and cool drink manufacturing units for selling substandard products under unhygienic conditions. These include use of detergent powder and phosphoric acid. The crackdown has led to multiple fines and warnings issued to manufacturers violating food safety regulations. Read More

A new tariff line regime for rice-based on process (parboiled, others) and on variety (rice recognised by the Geographical Indication Registry, Basmati, others) will be implemented by the Centre from May 1 for the cereal’s export, Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada told Parliament. Read More

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comments on a review of egg safety standards that came about after a large Salmonella outbreak. Read More

The Trump administration’s sweeping new tariffs—described by some as “everything, everywhere, all at once”—are poised to significantly impact the U.S. food and beverage industry. With a baseline 10% tariff taking effect on April 5 and additional reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% kicking in on April 9, the costs of importing both ingredients and equipment are set to rise sharply. Meanwhile, American exports could face retaliatory tariffs that threaten global competitiveness. Read More

Agriculture marketing is a State subject. Domestic prices of perishable agricultural produce are mainly influenced by factors such as demand and supply, trade policies, effective taxes and duties. The Central Government takes necessary measures as and when required to balance the demand and supply scenario of agriculture and horticulture produces in the domestic market and ensure remunerative prices to the farmers through appropriate policy measures and market intervention scheme. Read More

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the order for use of recycled PET for the purpose of packaging. However, since the standards for recycled PET are yet to be made, the notification added that recycled PET can be used as and when the standards & guidelines are notified. Read More

Nestlé India has announced the launch of new CEREGROW with no refined sugar, reinforcing its commitment to offering nutritious choices to its consumers through meaningful innovations. Designed for toddlers aged 2 to 6 years, CEREGROW multigrain cereal with the goodness of wheat, rice, oats, milk, and fruits. Read More

Global beverage giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have launched no-sugar and light variants priced at Rs.10, aiming to counter Reliance Consumer’s Campa Cola and tap into India’s growing demand for healthier drink options. Read More

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the ₹350 crore expansion of Coca-Cola’s bottling partner, SLMG Beverages, in Ayodhya, significantly boosting the region’s industrial growth and employment landscape. The expansion, undertaken by Amrit Bottlers Private Limited (a subsidiary of SLMG Beverages), will double the plant’s production capacity from 1,894 to 3,724 bottles per minute. This increase will cater to the rising demand for popular Coca-Cola beverages such as Thums Up, Sprite, Maaza, and Minute Maid. The facility’s growth is set to create 900 new jobs, raising the total workforce to 2,500. Additionally, indirect employment opportunities are expected in logistics, retail, and allied sectors. The expansion aligns with SLMG Beverages’ broader investment plan to infuse up to $1 billion in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar by 2030. In line with its sustainability focus, the Ayodhya plant currently operates with a 15 MW DC solar power plant and 9.6 MW of wind energy, with plans to expand renewable energy adoption further. “The expansion of our Ayodhya plant underscores our dedication to India’s economic growth and sustainable beverage production,” said Rakesh Ladhani, Director of Amrit Bottlers and SLMG Beverages. “Enhanced capacity and job creation are strengthening our operational efficiency while contributing to the local economy.” This development positions Ayodhya as a rising industrial hub, complementing its significance as a religious tourism center and a key driver of Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth.

100 new food testing labs to be established with financial support from Ministry of Food Processing Industries, announces Ravneet Singh Bittu. In a bid to enhance food safety and quality, the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, announced that the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), will financially support the establishment of 100 new NABL-accredited food testing laboratories across India in the financial year 2025-26. Read More