The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to states and Union Territories, mandating intensified food safety surveillance and inspections across the nation. This significant push, announced on October 6, 2026, comes ahead of the upcoming festive season, including Navratri and Diwali, which typically see a surge in demand for specific food products.
Focus on High-Demand Festive Foods
The FSSAI's instructions specifically target products that experience heightened consumption during festive periods. Enforcement officials are tasked with comprehensive inspections and sampling of a wide range of items, including:
- Sweets and savouries (such as namkeen and papad/fryums)
- Milk and milk products (e.g., ghee, khoa, and paneer)
- Edible oils
- Beverages
The regulator highlighted that the specific products requiring greater attention might vary by region, depending on local food habits. For instance, "kuttu atta" and "singhara atta" are emphasized in northern and western India.
Combating Adulteration and Ensuring Quality
This proactive measure by FSSAI aims to prevent the circulation of adulterated, counterfeit, and unsafe food products that often emerge during periods of high demand. The directive underscores the need for robust surveillance and enforcement mechanisms to protect public health.
Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers, and Central Food Safety Officers are instructed to conduct these inspections and sampling drives within their respective jurisdictions, with a particular focus on identified hotspots and sensitive locations.
Deployment of Mobile Food-Testing Units
In a move to enhance on-the-spot testing capabilities, FSSAI has also called for the deployment of "Food Safety on Wheels" (FSWs) wherever available. These mobile food-testing units are to be strategically placed in prominent marketplaces or utilized based on specific intelligence inputs.
Beyond testing, FSWs will contribute to strengthening vigilance and raising consumer awareness about food safety practices. This initiative is part of a broader effort to assure consumers of safe and high-quality food products throughout the festive season.
Real-Time Data Reporting Mandated
To ensure transparency and accountability, the FSSAI has made it mandatory for all relevant data concerning inspections, sampling, and their outcomes to be updated and recorded on the FoSCoS/FoSCoRIS platforms in real-time. This digital reporting requirement will facilitate better oversight and quicker response to any identified issues.
These comprehensive measures collectively aim to safeguard consumers during the festive period, ensuring they have access to safe and quality food.