India’s food and beverage (F&B) industry is undergoing a sweeping regulatory transformation aimed at elevating food safety standards across the value chain. At the heart of this shift are new norms introduced by the Union Government, focusing on key areas such as front-of-pack labelling (FoPL), trans fat limits, and mandatory licensing and registration for food business operators (FBOs).
The developments were spotlighted at the India Food Safety Conclave 2025, hosted by Bengaluru-based Food Safety Works, where industry experts, regulators, and food safety professionals converged to deliberate on emerging challenges and solutions in the sector. Key themes at the conclave included food safety in e-commerce, testing and validation protocols, fostering a food safety culture, and leveraging technology to enhance compliance.
Regulatory Shift: A Collective Mission
“Food safety is not a destination, it is a continuous journey,” said V.K. Pancham, Director, Southern Region, FSSAI, during his address. Emphasizing that the responsibility lies with all stakeholders — regulators, industry, and consumers alike — Pancham noted that vigilance, cooperation, and education are the pillars of a robust food safety framework.
Citing the direct connection between diet and public health outcomes, Pancham underscored the urgency of curbing the consumption of unhealthy, highly processed foods, particularly among children and youth. He advocated for a national shift toward balanced, wholesome diets to combat the rise in lifestyle diseases.
Empowering the Street Food Ecosystem
A major thrust of FSSAI’s efforts has been directed at the unorganised food sector — especially street food vendors — who play a vital role in India’s informal food economy. Programs like the Clean Street Food Hub certification and the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) initiative are helping to bring hygiene and safety standards to the grassroots.
“We want every meal — whether at home, on the street, in restaurants or institutions — to be safe, hygienic, and nutritious,” Pancham stated. “Our goal goes beyond enforcement. We are promoting a preventive food safety culture.”
FSSAI has rolled out 22 comprehensive regulations to standardise food safety protocols across sectors. The broader objective is to shift the national mindset from reactive compliance to proactive safety, where food safety becomes a default expectation embedded in everyday life.
Eat Right India and the Cultural Shift
Initiatives such as Eat Right India are being leveraged to build consumer awareness, drive behavioural change, and foster stakeholder collaboration. These regulatory and public health efforts aim to reduce foodborne illnesses, enhance nutritional standards, and build consumer trust.
The conclave also highlighted the crucial role of state governments and industry partners in this transformation. Through joint efforts, India is slowly but steadily building a food safety ecosystem that prioritises public health and sustainability.
Technology as a Catalyst for Compliance
In a session on technology-driven food safety, Kamesh Ellajosyula, Chief Innovation & Quality Officer, Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), emphasised that “food safety begins at the farm.” He noted that digital tools, data analytics, and traceability platforms are now enabling early risk detection and quality assurance across supply chains.
“Regulatory compliance today requires real-time data alignment across stakeholders,” said Ellajosyula. “This is no longer about paperwork — it’s about integrated systems that can monitor and manage quality from farm to fork.”
He highlighted the need for continuous upskilling of food safety professionals and operational teams. “Compliance is no longer reactive. It’s proactive, predictive, and tech-enabled — and that’s how companies will gain a competitive edge in the evolving food ecosystem.”
Industry Transformation in Motion
The regulatory overhaul signals more than just rule changes — it represents a broader shift toward empowerment through knowledge, innovation, and accountability. By investing in updated practices, embracing transparency, and engaging in continuous training, companies are strengthening their role in ensuring the safety and health of the nation’s food supply.
The India Food Safety Conclave 2025 served as a clarion call for all players in the F&B sector to treat food safety not as a checkbox, but as a core business value. As the industry adapts to new realities — from digital food delivery to health-conscious consumers — regulatory alignment, public-private collaboration, and technology adoption will remain key to fostering a safe, trusted, and resilient food environment.
In the words of FSSAI’s Pancham, “Building a culture of food safety is the need of the hour — one that protects consumers, empowers industry, and promotes a healthier India.”