PIB Fact Check Debunks Claims Of FSSAI Paralysis In Food Licensing

The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit has dismissed as misleading a recent article published by The Economic Times, which claimed that food business licensing and regulatory approvals in India have stalled due to internal issues within the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

In a post shared on social media, #PIBFactCheck clarified that the FSSAI remains fully functional and that food safety regulation, along with licensing processes, is continuing across the country without any disruption.

Contrary to the claims made in the report, the government stated that licensing of food businesses does not require approval from the Food Authority itself.

There is no legal or procedural hurdle affecting the grant of licences, fresh investments, or the enforcement of food safety standards.

PIB further underlined that all statutory and operational mechanisms remain in place, ensuring that the regulatory framework functions as intended.

Smooth Administration at Central and State Levels

According to the clarification, authorities are running day-to-day administration and implementing food safety regulations smoothly at the Central level, while State Food Safety Administrations continue to carry out enforcement activities.

The statement emphasised that the decentralised structure of enforcement ensures continuity and efficiency, regardless of administrative changes at the central authority.

Addressing concerns about governance, PIB Fact Check confirmed that the Chairperson of FSSAI remains in office.

It added that statutory quorum requirements are being consistently met through the presence of the Chairperson and ex officio members.

This, the government said, guarantees uninterrupted decision-making and prevents any administrative vacuum within the authority.

The clarification serves as a reminder against the spread of unverified or misleading information that could create unnecessary concern among stakeholders, including food business operators and investors.

PIB Fact Check reiterated that India’s food safety regulatory system remains robust, operational and aligned with its statutory mandate.

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