The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, has issued an order dated 1st September 2025 introducing a new Kind of Business (KoB) – Ayurveda Aahara under the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022. This landmark update provides a dedicated licensing pathway for food businesses engaged in Ayurveda-based foods, ensuring safety, authenticity, and compliance in this specialized sector.
Ayurveda Aahara: Definition and Background
Under the Ayurveda Aahara Regulations 2022, Ayurveda Aahara is defined as food prepared according to the recipes, ingredients, or processes described in authoritative Ayurvedic texts listed under Schedule A. These may also include products containing botanical ingredients aligned with Ayurvedic principles, provided they are intended for dietary use only and not for medicinal purposes.
However, Ayurveda Aahara does not include:
- Ayurvedic drugs or proprietary medicines
- Narcotic or psychotropic substances
- Herbs listed under Schedule E-1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Metals-based Ayurvedic preparations (e.g., bhasma or pishti)
- Any other restricted substances notified by FSSAI
By introducing this definition, FSSAI ensures that traditional Ayurvedic foods can enter mainstream markets with regulatory clarity, thereby enhancing consumer trust, innovation, and global market access.
Key Highlights of the Order
1. Creation of New KoB – Ayurveda Aahara
FSSAI has created a separate KoB in Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) specifically for Ayurveda Aahara. Food Business Operators (FBOs) manufacturing Ayurveda-based foods must now apply under this category.
2. Food Categories Under Ayurveda Aahara
The order introduces four sub-categories under Food Category 102:
- 102.1 – Ayurveda Aahara Category A
- Products: Can be selected from the standardized list (no extra product approval needed).
- Claims: Only claims related to Disease Risk Reduction require prior approval from FSSAI (HQ).
- 102.2, 102.3, and 102.4 – Ayurveda Aahara Categories B, B1, and B2
- Products: All require product approval from FSSAI (HQ).
- Claims: Any health benefit or disease risk reduction claims also need FSSAI (HQ) approval.
3. Licensing Eligibility and Fees
- Licensing eligibility: FSSAI Central License only
- Annual fee: ₹7,500 + GST
4. Inspection Checklist
Inspections for Ayurveda Aahara follow the same process as for General Manufacturers. Full checklist available here: FSSAI Inspection Checklist.
5. Mandatory Licensing Documents
As per the FSSAI order dated 19th March 2021, FBOs must submit 10 standard documents required for manufacturing licenses, along with any applicable state-specific documents.
6. Applicability to Other KoBs
The Ayurveda Aahara category (FC 102) is open to:
- Trade/Retail businesses
- Exporter–Manufacturers
- 100% Export Oriented Units
7. Effective Date
This order is effective from 1st September 2025.
Why This Matters
- Regulatory clarity: Dedicated licensing framework for Ayurveda Aahara FBOs.
- Consumer safety: Ensures Ayurveda-based foods meet strict FSSAI food safety standards.
- Market expansion: Boosts both domestic and export opportunities for Ayurveda foods.
- Integration of tradition and science: Protects the authenticity of Ayurvedic principles while aligning with modern compliance standards.
Conclusion
The introduction of a FSSAI new KoB – Ayurveda Aahara is a landmark move by FSSAI, offering regulatory recognition to Ayurveda-inspired foods. By creating a clear licensing category, publishing approved product lists, and linking compliance with Ayurvedic texts, FSSAI has created a pathway for responsible growth in this segment.
For Food Business Operators, this development is both an opportunity to innovate and expand in the Ayurveda food space, and a responsibility to uphold the safety, authenticity, and compliance standards laid out by FSSAI
Need help with your product?
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Click here to read the full order
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