AIFPA

India’s exports of agricultural and processed food products jumped over 7% to $5.96 billion in April-June 2025, primarily driven by robust global demand for rice (up 3.5%) and buffalo meat (up 17%), reinforcing India’s dominance in key segments. Read More

FSSAI has instructed licensing authorities to thoroughly verify Annual Returns submitted by food businesses and take action against false information under the Food Safety Act. Since 2020, returns are filed online via FoSCoS, with a 2024 update allowing revisions. FSSAI urges timely corrections to avoid penalties. Read More

The Supreme Court of India has ordered FSSAI to urgently implement mandatory Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels (FoPNL) on packaged foods to combat rising obesity and promote healthier eating. MP Milind Deora welcomed the move, calling it a vital step toward empowering consumers. The initiative is supported by the Health Ministry, which also plans awareness campaigns like sugar and oil boards in public spaces. The decision marks a shift from voluntary to mandatory labeling under India’s national strategy to fight non-communicable diseases. Read More

Major U.S. ice cream makers, including Turkey Hill, have pledged to remove artificial colors from their products by 2028. Led by the International Dairy Foods Association, the effort covers over 90 percent of commercial ice cream sold in the country, excluding non-dairy and small-batch shop varieties. Many brands have already started the transition. A working group will help others access natural alternatives. The move responds to rising consumer demand and state-level actions, such as bans on synthetic dyes in schools. This follows similar changes in the dairy industry and commitments from major food companies to eliminate artificial dyes in the coming years. Read More

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has appointed Hemant Rupani as its new CEO, effective September 8, 2025. Rupani, formerly President of Mondelez Southeast Asia, succeeds Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who is moving to a global role within Coca-Cola. Rupani brings extensive experience in leading consumer brands and regional operations. His appointment follows a major shift in HCCB’s ownership, with the Jubilant Bhartia Group acquiring a 40% stake in December 2024 for ₹12,500 crore. The leadership change and strategic partnership aim to accelerate HCCB’s growth and strengthen Coca-Cola’s presence in India’s beverage market. Read more

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes import alerts to uphold U.S. food safety regulations for imported food products. These alerts are regularly updated and revised by the agency as necessary. Read more.

Traders cite irrational tax slabs on daily food items—paratha taxed more than roti, lassi taxed if packaged—creating billing chaos and hurting business margins. Read More

Federation of Sweets and Namkeen Manufacturers says singling out Indian snacks like samosas and jalebis is unfair; urges moderation and mindful eating over fear-based advisories. Read More

The FSSAI has issued notice for appointment of members of the food authority as the current term of the members is ending in December this year.  As the term is nearing the end, the FSSAI has started the process to select the 22-member food authority consisting of a Chairperson with one-third women members.  The FSSAI has sought nominations having details of qualifications, experience, competence, and expertise from the interested person(s), from retailer organisations, farmers’ organisations, persons with food science background, corporate & small industry and so on amongst others.  According to the FSSAI, it was looking for members who can ensure highest standards of competence, a broader range of relevant expertise and the broadest possible geographic distribution within the country.  The members of the food authority include seven members, not below the ranks of Joint Secretary to the Government of India, from various ministries/departments & will be ex officio, two representatives from food industry, of which one from small scale industries, two representatives from consumer organisations, three eminent food technologists or scientists, five members on rotation, two persons representing farmers’ organisation and one person representing retailers’ organisation.

The US has again raised concerns at the World Trade Organization (WTO) at India’s dairy certificate requirements terming them “unnecessary trade barriers” for American exports. Read More