Key Development

In 2024-25, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) found that nearly one in five food samples, including chocolates, failed to meet prescribed standards, the government informed the Lok Sabha.

Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav said FSSAI, through its four regional offices and in coordination with state and union territory food safety authorities, carried out regular inspections, targeted enforcement drives, and surveillance activities. These included the National Annual Surveillance Plan (NASP), local enforcement checks, and sampling operations conducted throughout the year.

Regulatory Action Against Violators

Authorities analysed 1.7 lakh food samples during the year. Of these, 34,388 were found non-conforming to standards, and cases were initiated in 31,407 instances. Jadhav stated that any violation of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR) attracts regulatory action, including penalties, against the food business operators responsible.

Similar Trends in the Previous Year

The minister also noted that in 2023-24, officials tested a similar number of samples — around 1.7 lakh — and found 33,808 of them to be non-conforming.

Source: The Times of India