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The FSSAI has directed food business operators (FBOs) involved in manufacturing/production of packaged drinking water and mineral water to ‘strictly’ comply with the scheme of testing of packaged drinking water and mineral water prescribed by the food authority from January 1, 2026.  Read More

Sales of daily household necessities and groceries saw stronger volume growth during October-December, compared with a year ago, reflecting a pickup in demand after the goods and services tax (GST) was lowered on a number of items from September 22. Read More

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stated that the use of the word “tea”, directly or indirectly, for any plant-based or herbal infusions or blends not derived from Camellia sinensis is misleading and amounts to misbranding under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Read More

In a significant push to strengthen India’s food processing ecosystem at the grassroots level, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has approved 551 micro food processing enterprises under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, with a credit-linked subsidy support of Rs 45.49 crore. This initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand small-scale industrial activity, generate rural employment and add value to agricultural produce.  Read More

India has decided not to extend import duty concessions to New Zealand for several sensitive sectors, including dairy, vegetables, sugar, copper, and aluminium, under the free trade agreement (FTA) set to be signed within the next three months. Officials said the move aims to safeguard the interests of Indian farmers and MSMEs. Read More

Tetra Pak, in collaboration with García Carrión, unveiled the first-ever use of its paper-based barrier technology for juice packaging. This innovation in sustainable food packaging solutions marks a significant step towards reducing reliance on fossil-based materials, with the new packaging material now being rolled out across multiple markets. Read More

The national food regulator has urged its regional offices across India to conduct an enquiry into the allegations about presence of carcinogens in eggs. The Food Safety officials have been asked to collect samples of eggs and analyse them in labs for the presence of any substance that is harmful to human health. As per reports, the decision was taken by FSSAI after controversy erupted over reports of quality of eggs distributed by a company regarding the presence of nitrofurans, an antibiotic banned in food producing animals.  The matter came to light after a YouTuber conducted a lab analysis of the eggs and  the lab reports allegedly found nitrofurans in it. Meanwhile, the State Food Safety departments have been asked to collect samples of eggs, branded or non-branded, and check through lab analysis for the presence of any banned substance linked to carcinogenic or genotoxic effects. 

Food safety in Australia and New Zealand is underpinned by a long-standing, science-based bi-national food regulation system that has safeguarded consumers for decades. This strong foundation positions both countries well to adapt to the rapid changes in food systems we are seeing today. As climate pressures, global supply chain shifts, new food production techniques and rapid advances in technology reshape how food is grown, manufactured, transported, sold and consumed, Australia and New Zealand’s joint food regulation system stands ready to respond. Read More

Many times, we are attracted to bright yellow sweets in the nearby sweetmeat shop or yellow chickpeas in the market. These appealing foods could be dangerous to our health. They may be adulterated with synthetic dyes, such as Auramine. Auramine O, an artificial dye not permitted for use in foods, keeps appearing in various food items, including bright yellow chickpeas, sweets, turmeric powder, street food snacks, and savoury items, and is a public health concern in India. Taking note of this problem, (1) the food authorities have recently come out with an order to initiate targeted enforcement actions, including inspection, sampling, testing, and subsequent actions for products that are vulnerable to adulteration by auramine in organised, unorganised sectors, e-commerce, for manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of such products. Read More

A high level committee of Indian Government think tank NITI Ayog has recommended end to licences, permits and NOC requirements for businesses. Read More