New Delhi, June 15, 2026: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory directing all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure the use of only food-grade and corrosion-resistant knives, blades and other cutting equipment in food handling and processing operations. FSSAI’s Regulatory Compliance Division has issued the advisory under file number RCD-15001/1/2021-Regulatory-FSSAI.
According to FSSAI, hygienic and sanitary requirements for food businesses are already prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. These regulations require that equipment, utensils, and food-contact surfaces used in food handling, preparation, processing, packaging, and storage be made of food-grade, non-toxic, and corrosion-resistant materials. They must also be maintained in hygienic condition to prevent contamination of food and should be adequately cleaned and disinfected at appropriate intervals.
The authority noted that it has come to its notice that certain food businesses are using rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged or otherwise unsuitable knives, blades and cutting equipment during food handling, preparation, processing, cutting, slicing and packaging operations.
FSSAI warned that the use of rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged, inadequately cleaned or non-food-grade knives, blades and cutting tools may result in physical, chemical and microbiological contamination of food. Such practices are not in conformity with the sanitary and hygienic requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011.
In view of this, FSSAI has directed all Food Business Operators to strictly comply with the following requirements: only food-grade and corrosion-resistant knives, blades and cutting equipment should be used in food handling and processing operations; all knives, blades and cutting tools must be maintained in sound and hygienic condition; they must be free from rust, corrosion, chipping, paint, cracks, breakage or any other defect that may contaminate food; and any rusted, corroded, chipped, damaged or otherwise unsuitable knives, blades and cutting equipment must be immediately removed from use and replaced.
The advisory also requires food businesses to ensure adequate cleaning, sanitisation and sterilisation procedures, wherever applicable, for knives, blades and cutting equipment at prescribed intervals.
FSSAI has stated that any non-compliance observed will attract action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made thereunder. The Commissioners of Food Safety of all States and Union Territories, along with Regional Directors of FSSAI, have been requested to direct concerned Licensing Authorities and Food Safety Officers to maintain strict vigilance during inspections and ensure compliance with the advisory.
The authority further stated that appropriate action may be initiated wherever non-compliance is observed, as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations.
The advisory has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by Dr. Amit Sharma, Executive Director, Compliance Strategy, FSSAI. It has been addressed to all Food Business Operators, Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs and all Regional Directors of FSSAI. Copies have also been marked to the Senior PPS to Chairperson, FSSAI; PS to CEO, FSSAI; SBCD, FSSAI for dissemination through social media; and CITO for uploading on the FSSAI website.