Key Development

The Gujarat government is preparing major amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006, to curb food adulteration and protect public health. The proposed changes aim to increase fines fourfold and introduce criminal liability in cases where adulterated food results in death. The plan includes raising penalties for adulteration from the current ₹5 lakh to a range of ₹10–20 lakh.

Harsher Punishment for Violations

The amendments propose prison terms of up to seven years for offenders who cause death by selling adulterated or substandard food. State health officials highlighted that many food businesses previously avoided serious consequences by paying small fines, putting public health at risk. The revised penalties aim to act as a strong deterrent.

Additional Changes Under Review

• Fines of up to ₹2 lakh for selling food that does not meet basic standards.
• Penalties of up to ₹3 lakhs for selling misbranded food products.

The Gujarat government is also seeking public input on the proposed changes, allowing citizens to submit their suggestions online over the next 30 days.

Source: Bhaskar English