Food Safety and Standards in India continue to evolve to strengthen compliance and accountability across the food sector. In this direction, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. These proposed changes focus on Licensing and registration, compliance returns, record maintenance, and hygienic storage practices.
The draft notification was published in the Gazette of India on 20 January 2026 and remains open for public comments for sixty days from the date of publication .
Background of the Draft Amendment
The proposed Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2026 aim to improve regulatory clarity and ensure timely compliance by Food Business Operators (FBOs). FSSAI has issued these draft regulations under the powers granted by Section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The amendments directly impact licensed food businesses by tightening timelines, defining penalties clearly, and reinforcing best practices in storage and documentation. These changes highlight the regulator’s focus on proactive compliance rather than corrective enforcement.
Stricter Rules for Food Safety Compliance Returns
One of the most significant amendments under the Food Safety and Standards framework relates to delays in filing the annual Food Safety Compliance Return.
Under the proposed rules:
- Any delay beyond 31 May will attract a monetary penalty.
- A delay of up to 90 days may lead to a penalty of twice the annual license fee.
- A delay between 91 and 180 days can attract a penalty of five times the annual license fee.
- Failure to submit the return by the 181st day will result in deemed suspension of the license.
During the suspension period, the Food Business Operator cannot carry out any food business activity. Any operation during suspension will be treated as non-compliant and may invite further action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 .
Mandatory Record-Keeping for Manufacturing Businesses
The draft amendment also proposes changes to Licensing and registration conditions under Schedule 2 of the regulations.
Manufacturing food businesses must maintain daily records of production and raw material utilization separately. This requirement aims to improve traceability, transparency, and audit readiness across the food supply chain.
However, the regulation clearly states that this condition will not apply to non-manufacturing food businesses, ensuring proportional compliance and avoiding unnecessary regulatory burden on traders and service-oriented FBOs.
FIFO and FEFO Made Mandatory for Storage Practices
To strengthen hygienic and sanitary practices, FSSAI has proposed a revision to Schedule 4 of the regulations. The draft amendment mandates the use of FIFO (First-In-First-Out) and FEFO (First-Expire-First-Out) principles for the storage of:
- Raw materials
- Ingredients
- Work-in-progress items
- Processed, cooked, or packaged food products
These practices help reduce spoilage, prevent expired food from entering the market, and enhance consumer safety. Retailers, however, remain exempt from this specific requirement, recognizing the practical limitations of small-scale operations.
This amendment reinforces global best practices under the Food Safety and Standards regulatory system .
Impact on Food Business Operators
The proposed amendments send a clear message that Licensing and registration under FSSAI is not a one-time formality. Instead, it requires continuous compliance, timely reporting, and disciplined operational controls.
Food Business Operators should:
- Review internal compliance calendars
- Strengthen documentation and record-keeping systems
- Train staff on FIFO and FEFO storage principles
- Ensure timely submission of Food Safety Compliance Returns
Early preparation will help businesses avoid penalties, license suspension, and reputational risks.
Opportunity for Stakeholder Feedback
FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders before finalizing the regulations. Interested parties may submit their comments to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, either by post or via email within the specified time period.
Active stakeholder participation ensures that Food Safety and Standards regulations remain practical, enforceable, and aligned with industry realities.
Conclusion
The draft Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2026 mark a decisive step towards stronger compliance and improved food safety governance in India. By addressing delayed returns, strengthening record-keeping, and mandating structured storage practices, FSSAI aims to raise the overall compliance culture among food businesses.
Food Business Operators should closely monitor these developments and align their systems with the proposed requirements to ensure uninterrupted Licensing and registration under the evolving Food Safety and Standards framework.
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