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The Microbiology Laboratory section at the State Food Testing Laboratory (SFTL), Bhubaneswar, was officially inaugurated on 11 April 2025 by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, along with Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha. Read More

Pistachio is emerging as the culinary star of 2025, moving beyond its traditional role in Indian mithai to dominate menus with innovative dishes and drinks. From pistachio-infused matcha lattes to gourmet pizzas and decadent desserts, this vibrant green nut captivates chefs and food enthusiasts with its creamy texture, earthy flavor, and Instagram-worthy hue. Read More

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has ordered packaged food companies to display ingredient and nutritional information on product packaging, ending a decade-long battle over front-of-pack labeling. The directive, aimed at empowering consumers to make healthier choices, has sparked mixed reactions, with nutrition advocates cheering the move and industry leaders warning of rising costs amid an ongoing market slowdown. Read More

The area under oilseed and pulses cultivation has increased by more than 50% against last season. According to agricultural experts, farmers are being attracted towards more profitable crops due to the global fall in cotton prices and increasing pest attacks. Read More

A new study published April 2 in Nature, digs into how the brain ties flavors to sickness, revealing a process that mirrors human reactions to foodborne illness. Read More

New U.S. tariffs, particularly on Chinese imports like soy sauce, are driving up costs at specialty stores, raising fears that smaller importers could face pressures challenging their ability to maintain safety standards. Read More

The FSSAI has issued directions to the State Food Safety Commissioners to carry out enforcement measures against paneer adulteration and ensure strict compliance with the guidelines related to analog paneer. Read More

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has expanded the disciplines recognised for the post of food safety officers. In a notification, the food authority has included Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery, for the post of food safety officer. According to experts, including medical professionals as Food Safety Officers will make food safety checks stronger. They understand how bad food affects health and can find risks faster. This means better inspections, quicker action on food poisoning cases and stricter rules for unhealthy or fake food products. India faces food safety challenges like food poisoning, fake food products and not enough inspectors. More experts will help improve food quality, protect people’s health and make sure food businesses follow the rules, said Mr. Ashwin Bhadri, CEO, Equinox Labs. It is pertinent to mention that most current FSOs come from science backgrounds but are often overworked due to staff shortages and large areas to cover and this affects inspections and delays action. Including doctors and traditional medicine experts will increase manpower, reduce workload and improve how food risks are identified and managed—making our food system safer, added Bhadri.

To revitalize Assam’s struggling tea industry, the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has agreed to extend the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) scheme to tea estates in the state. The decision follows persistent efforts by the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), which had urged the government to address land classification barriers preventing tea gardens from availing the scheme. Read More

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest move to impose steep reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports under what he has termed “Liberation Day” is expected to significantly impact India’s food and agriculture exports, particularly processed seafood, sugar, dairy, and spices, experts warn. Read More