FSSAI Invites Consumers to Become Food Safety Watchdogs

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged consumers to actively report unsafe food practices through its Food Safety Connect mobile app as it intensifies enforcement against food businesses accused of violating food safety, labelling and advertising regulations.

The regulator has asked consumers to report issues such as unhygienic food handling, unsafe preparation practices, stale or contaminated food, misleading food claims and other food safety violations. FSSAI believes greater public participation can strengthen surveillance, improve compliance and protect consumer health.

Enforcement Drive Gains Momentum

The appeal comes amid a series of enforcement actions launched by the food safety regulator against companies across the country for alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Swiggy Instamart

Earlier this week, FSSAI issued nine show-cause notices to Swiggy Instamart after receiving multiple consumer complaints alleging the delivery of expired, spoiled and contaminated food products, improper storage and handling practices, and inaccurate licensing information through the quick-commerce platform.

In another recent action, FSSAI shut down a spice manufacturing unit in Lucknow after inspectors allegedly detected adulteration during an inspection. Officials seized the suspected adulterated products and collected samples for laboratory analysis.

Notices Over Alcohol, Labels and Marketing Claims

FSSAI has also issued notices to several alcoholic beverage manufacturers for the alleged use of unauthorised flavouring agents, misleading age-related claims and non-compliance with labelling and disclosure requirements under the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018.

The regulator has also served notices to Lotte India, Ferns N Petals and Kubera Foods over alleged misleading advertising and labelling practices. According to FSSAI, the companies used claims such as “100 per cent vegetarian,” “100 per cent natural,” “premium chocolate,” “fresh” and “no preservatives” that may not comply with food labelling regulations. The notices also cited inaccurate nutritional information, incomplete ingredient declarations and other labelling deficiencies.

Earlier, FSSAI also issued notices to several beverage manufacturers for allegedly marketing products as “energy drinks” in violation of food regulations. Heritage Foods also received a notice over claims related to its “fresh paneer” product.

Consumers Play a Key Role in Food Safety

FSSAI said its recent enforcement measures stem from both consumer complaints and suo motu investigations. The regulator continues to strengthen inspections, surveillance and regulatory action to improve compliance with food safety standards and safeguard consumer interests.

By encouraging consumers to report violations through the Food Safety Connect app, FSSAI aims to make public participation an integral part of India’s food safety ecosystem.

Source: Livemint