Lok Sabha Question No. 3456 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Expansion of Processed Food Industry
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri K E Prakash

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3456 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH MARCH, 2026

## EXPANSION OF PROCESSED FOOD INDUSTRY

## 3456. SHRI K E PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is working with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure that the rapid expansion of the processed food industry is accompanied by
- improvements in food safety, labelling practices and consumer protection, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government announced in July 2025 the setting up of a committee to address misconceptions regarding processed foods; and
- (c) if so, the current status of the said committee, along with its composition and mandate?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is mandated to lay down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. The implementation and enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 is a shared responsibility between the Central and State Governments.

For compliance with the set standards, limits, & other statutory requirements under the Act and Food Safety & Standards Regulations (FSSR), FSSAI, through its four (04) Regional Offices and State/UT food safety authorities conducts regular localized/targeted special enforcement and surveillance drives including milk, edible oil, spices and packaged foods throughout the year.

The provisions for labelling of pre-packaged foods are specified under Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 which specifies that all food products must comply with mandatory labelling requirements to ensure consumer protection and informed choice.

If any deviations from the standards or violations to the FSSR are observed, the defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs) have been subjected to regulatory actions, including punitive measures, as stipulated under the FSS Act, 2006 and rules and regulations made thereunder specifically Section 48-67 of the FSS Act, 2006.

Based on the risk profile of food articles, FSSAI has developed Risk Based Inspection System (RBIS) where frequency of inspection is decided based on risk associated with Food businesses and issued guidelines. The RBIS categorizes Food Business Operators (FBOs) based on risk profile and scale of operations. In addition to scheduled inspections, authorities may undertake targeted inspections in cases of complaints, food safety emergencies, media reports, major non-conformities in third-party audits, or expired licenses. Annual inspections shall be conducted mandatorily for all food categories identified as high risk. Furthermore, all Central License manufacturers falling under high risk category has to undergo Third Party Audit from FSSAI empanelled agencies once in a year.

As informed by Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the objective of Committee constituted vide circular dated 12.12.2024 under the chairmanship of Hon ' ble Minister of Food Processing Industries is to address misleading publicity of processed foods, ensuring accurate information for consumers and fostering ethical advertising practices in the processed food industry. The terms of reference of the committee include the assessment of current practices, examine the regulatory and legal framework and develop guidelines for processed food advertising.

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