Key Update 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a new business category under its FoSCoS licensing system for food businesses producing Ayurveda Aahara. This new licensing framework, effective from September 1, 2025, aims to streamline the registration process for companies manufacturing food products based on Ayurvedic principles, as defined under the FSSAI Ayurveda Aahara Regulations, 2022.

What is Ayurveda Aahara?

According to FSSAI, Ayurveda Aahara refers to food products developed using ingredients, recipes, or preparation methods from classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A of the regulations. These are not medicinal products, but food items that support wellness in line with Ayurvedic principles. Ayurveda Aahara does not include:

• Ayurvedic drugs or proprietary medicines
• Cosmetics, narcotics, or psychotropic substances
• Metal-based preparations like bhasma or pishti
• Herbs listed under Schedule E-1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
• Any restricted ingredients as notified by FSSAI

The category strictly covers food products and must not be confused with pharmaceuticals or therapeutic claims.

Why This Matters

Until now, there was no dedicated licensing category in FoSCoS for Ayurveda-based food businesses. With consumer interest rising in traditional and natural products, FSSAI has recognised the need for a specialised regulatory framework. The introduction of this category helps legalise, standardise, and promote Ayurveda-based food products in the Indian and global markets.

Key Details of the New Business Category

• Category Name: Ayurveda Aahara (under “Manufacturer” group)
• Type of License: Only Central License applicable
• Annual Fee: ₹7,500 + GST
• Inspection Requirements: Same as standard manufacturers
• Documentation: 10 documents (per FSSAI order dated 19.03.2021) + state-specific requirements

Product Classification Under Ayurveda Aahara

FSSAI classifies products into the following sub-categories:

Category A – Standardised Products

• Must adhere to existing FSSAI standards
• No prior approval needed unless making disease-risk reduction claims

Categories B, B1 & B2 – Non-standardized Products

• Require FSSAI HQ approval
• All health-related or disease-related claims also need prior approval

Who Can Apply?

The following businesses are eligible to apply under this new category:

• Manufacturers (Central License only)
• Exporters (Manufacturer / Trader / Retailer / 100% Export Units)

Licensing may be State or Central, depending on the scale and nature of the business.

Conclusion

With the introduction of a dedicated licensing category for Ayurveda Aahara, FSSAI aims to promote traditional dietary wisdom while ensuring food safety and regulatory clarity. This move opens up new opportunities for food entrepreneurs in the wellness and Ayurveda sectors.

Source: Foodtech News