Food Safety Needs to Go Beyond Just Regulation

Introduction

Food safety is more than just regulation — it requires collaboration between the food industry, regulators, and the public. While India has made significant strides in food safety through regulatory frameworks, the challenges persist. Issues such as adulteration, contamination, and misleading labeling are complex problems that require deeper solutions. As the former CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), I witnessed the transformation of India’s food safety landscape from 2016 to 2020. Though FSSAI has become a proactive public health regulator, we must go beyond regulation to ensure lasting food safety.

The Evolution of Food Safety in India

India’s food safety journey can be broken down into three distinct phases:

• 2011-2018: The foundation for food safety was laid with the passage of the Food Safety and Standards Act in 2006. This period focused on establishing standards, introducing Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), training food handlers, and launching hygiene rating systems. Mobile food labs were also introduced to test food quality on the go.
• 2019-2024: This phase saw a greater focus on compliance and testing. High-quality food testing laboratories were established, and private sector involvement became significant in audits, training, and testing. IT systems were revamped to support stricter licensing and registration processes, ensuring compliance throughout the food chain.
• 2025-2030: The upcoming phase must be about embedding food safety into daily practices, especially for small, informal businesses. The aim should not just be compliance but cultivating a culture of food safety that ensures consistent, hygienic practices from production to consumption.

Why Food Safety is More than Regulation

Food safety risks are complex and can emerge from a variety of sources such as hidden contaminants, unsafe handling practices, and substandard ingredients. These risks are particularly pronounced in India, where much of the food sector comprises small, informal businesses. While FSSAI regulations provide an essential framework, they cannot address every potential issue, especially those that arise from poor sourcing or unhygienic practices.In recent years, India’s private food safety ecosystem has grown significantly. Private sector contributions, including food safety audits, training, and testing, have played a crucial role in transforming India’s commitment to food safety. However, simply increasing the number of government food testing labs is not enough. Food safety encompasses more than testing; it involves sourcing, handling, hygiene practices, and the skills of food handlers.

Moving Beyond Compliance

An overemphasis on compliance can become burdensome for small businesses, sometimes fostering corrupt practices. Therefore, it is essential to balance regulatory enforcement with the promotion of a food safety culture. Consistency and discipline are needed at every stage of the food chain, from production to consumption.Private and government food testing labs already have enough capacity to maintain safety standards. The challenge is embedding food safety into the fabric of everyday life, ensuring that food handlers and businesses understand the importance of hygiene and quality at every step.

Conclusion

To truly ensure food safety, India needs to go beyond regulatory compliance and foster a culture that prioritizes safe practices at every stage of the food chain. The path ahead requires collaboration between regulators, the private sector, and the public. India’s food safety ecosystem has evolved significantly, but it must continue to grow by integrating safety into the daily lives of everyone involved in food production, distribution, and consumption.

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