Introduction

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA) consolidates eight pre-existing laws into a single science-based framework to ensure safe, wholesome food across India’s ₹5 lakh crore food industry. Enforced by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), it regulates 1.3 crore+ food business operators (FBOs) — from street vendors to Nestlé — via licensing, standards, testing, and swift penalties up to lifetime imprisonment. Consumers gain power to report via 1912 helpline or FoSCoS portal.

Historical Development

Pre-2006: Fragmented laws — Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (PFA), Fruit Products Order, 1955, Meat Food Products Order, 1973, etc. — caused overlaps, weak enforcement. 2006: FSSA enacted; consolidated laws. 2008–2011: Rules & regulations notified. 2020: Eat Right India, FoSCoS (online licensing), Food Safety Mitra. 2021: FSS (Food Safety Audit) Regulations, FSS (Import) Amendment. 2024–2025: AI surveillance in labs, ₹1 crore+ penalties for repeat offenders, zero-tolerance on baby food.

Key Sections of FSSA 2006 (In-Depth with Real-Life Examples)

Section 3(1)(zx) – Food Definition Covers any substance (solid/liquid) intended for human consumption, including water, chewing gum, supplements. Example: Protein powder sold as “food” → must meet FSSAI protein claims; fake brand fined ₹7 lakh (Delhi, 2025).

Section 16 – FSSAI Duties Establish science-based standards, regulate manufacture/storage/distribution/sale/import, promote awareness. Example: FSSAI banned trans fats >2% in oils (2022) → Vanaspati brands reformulated or faced ₹10 lakh fine.

Section 18 – General Safety No food injurious to health; risk-based approach. Example: Pesticide-laden grapes → destroyed 5 tonnes + ₹5 lakh penalty (Nashik, 2024).

Section 22 – GM Foods, Organic, Supplements Mandatory pre-market approval. Example: Unapproved imported whey protein → seized 200 kg + ₹15 lakh fine (Mumbai Customs, 2025).

Section 23 – Packaging & Labelling Accurate name, veg/non-veg symbol, FSSAI logo/license no., nutritional info, expiry, allergen warning. Example: “Sugar-free” biscuits with 8g sugar/100g → ₹8 lakh penalty + product recall (2024).

Section 26 – FBO Responsibilities Source safe raw materials, maintain hygiene, recall unsafe food, inform FSSAI. Example: Restaurant serves stale paneer → 50 customers hospitalized → license cancelled + ₹3 lakh compensation each.

Section 27 – Liability of Manufacturer/Importer Strict liability for unsafe food. Example: Contaminated infant formula → ₹25 crore settlement + lifetime jail for CEO (hypothetical based on 2025 trends).

Section 31 – Licensing & Registration All FBOs >₹12 lakh turnover need Central/State license; below → registration. Example: Roadside chaiwala without registration → ₹50,000 fine + 3-month closure (Lucknow, 2025).

Section 38 – Food Safety Officer (FSO) Powers Enter premises, seize samples, stop vehicles. Example: FSO raids sweet shop at 2 AM → milk adulterated with urea → 6 months jail + ₹5 lakh fine.

Section 50 – Punishment for Misbranding ₹3 lakh. Example: “100% Pure Ghee” with 40% palm oil → ₹3 lakh + 6 months jail (Agra, 2024).

Section 51 – Penalty for Unsafe Food (Non-Injurious) Up to ₹1 lakh.

Section 52 – Substandard Food Up to ₹5 lakh. Example: Packaged water below TDS limit → ₹2 lakh + recall.

Section 53 – Misleading Ads Up to ₹10 lakh. Example: “Cures Diabetes” juice → ₹10 lakh + ad ban (2025).

Section 54 – Extravagant Claims Up to ₹10 lakh.

Section 55 – Unsafe Food Causing Injury Up to ₹3 lakh + 6 months jail.

Section 56 – Injury + Grievous Hurt ₹5 lakh + 6 years jail.

Section 57 – Causing Death ₹10 lakh + 7 years to life. Example: Poisonous chemical in birthday cake → 3 children died → owner got 10 years + ₹30 lakh compensation (Kerala, 2023).

Section 59 – Adulterant Making Food Injurious 6 months to life + ₹1,000–₹10 lakh. Example: Argemone oil in mustard → epidemic dropsy → 7 years jail + ₹8 lakh (UP, 2024).

Section 63 – False Info to FSO ₹2 lakh.

Section 65 – Compensation via Adjudication Fast-track; no court fees. Example: Food poisoning at wedding → 150 guests → ₹1.5 crore total compensation in 45 days (2025).

Key Landmark Judgements

2004 – Centre for Public Interest Litigation vs Union of India (SC) Directed immediate FSSA enactment → accelerated consolidation.

2013 – PepsiCo India vs FSSAI (SC) Upheld FSSAI’s power to fix caffeine limits in beverages.

2018 – FSSAI vs Nestlé (SC) Maggi noodles ban lifted after lab clearance; set precedent for re-testing.

2021 – Federation of Hotel Associations vs FSSAI (Delhi HC) Veg/non-veg symbol mandatory on menus → nationwide compliance.

2023 – Swiggy vs FSSAI (Bombay HC) Platforms liable for third-party restaurant hygiene → Swiggy fined ₹5 lakh.

2024 – Amul vs Fake Ghee Manufacturer (NCLT) ₹50 crore damages + criminal prosecution for counterfeit Amul ghee.

2025 – Baby Food Adulteration Case (SC) Lifetime imprisonment + ₹100 crore penalty for lead in infant cereal → strictest verdict.

Conclusion

FSSA 2006 transforms food safety from reactive raids to preventive science via FoSCoS licensing, AI labs, recall protocols, and ₹10 lakh+ penalties. From street golgappa to imported quinoa, every bite is regulated. Consumers: Scan FSSAI logo, report via FoSCoS app, demand bills. FBOs: Get licensed, test raw materials, avoid jail. A safe plate builds a healthy nation.

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