Key Update

Consumers filed more than 7,700 complaints related to food adulteration and food safety during the financial year 2024–25, and authorities have already resolved nearly 6,000 cases, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs B. L. Verma said consumers submit food safety complaints through the online portal of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Complaints Rising Each Year

Government data shows that consumers filed 4,330 complaints in 2022–23, and authorities resolved 4,074 of them. In 2023–24, complaints increased to 4,735, with officials addressing 3,993 cases. The number rose sharply in 2024–25, when consumers registered 7,705 complaints, and authorities resolved 5,952 cases.

Complaints Filed Through Food Safety Portal

Consumers file these complaints through the Food Safety Connect platform, which operates under the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). Once a complaint is registered, the portal shares the details with Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers, and food business operators, allowing them to review the issue and take action.

States Handle Enforcement

The minister said state food safety departments enforce food safety regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India sets science-based standards for food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import, state authorities carry out enforcement on the ground through designated officers and food safety officials.

Inspections and Monitoring

Authorities conduct regular inspections, sampling, and enforcement drives through regional offices and state agencies to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Officials carry out these activities under monitoring programmes such as the National Annual Surveillance Plan. The regulator also uses a Risk-Based Inspection System to determine how frequently authorities should inspect food businesses based on the risk level of different food products.

If inspectors detect violations during inspections, authorities can take regulatory or punitive action against the concerned food business operators under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Source: Health Dialogues