Who Approves Food in India?

In India, the primary authority responsible for food approval and regulation is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and serves as the apex body for ensuring food safety and promoting public health through regulation and supervision of food products.

Key Responsibilities of FSSAI:

• Setting standards for food items.
• Granting licenses and registrations to Food Business Operators (FBOs).
• Approving new food products, additives, and ingredients.
• Conducting risk assessments and scientific evaluations.
• Monitoring and verifying food safety compliance through inspections and sampling.

For novel foods, health supplements, or products using proprietary ingredients, prior approval from FSSAI is mandatory before market release. The Authority reviews scientific evidence, safety data, and compliance with Indian food safety standards before granting approval.

In addition to FSSAI, specific food categories may require input from other agencies. For example, animal products may involve oversight by the Department of Animal Husbandry, while agricultural commodities may also fall under the purview of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Thus, FSSAI is the central approving body for food in India, ensuring that food products are safe, standardized, and suitable for consumption across the country.