The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out significant regulatory amendments in 2026 that affect virtually every food business operating worldwide. Here's what you need to know and implement.
Key Changes at a Glance
1. Enhanced Allergen Declaration Requirements
Starting April 2026, all packaged food products must include allergen declarations in a standardized box format on the front of the packaging. The 14 major allergens must be listed in both English and the regional language of the manufacturing state.
2. Digital Compliance Portal
FSSAI has launched the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) 2.0, a fully digital platform for:
3. Nutrition Labelling Standards
New front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) requirements mandate a star rating system similar to Australia's Health Star Rating, helping consumers make informed choices at a glance.
4. Traceability Requirements
All food businesses with annual turnover exceeding ₹25 lakh must implement one-step-forward, one-step-back traceability by December 2026, with digital record-keeping mandated.
Impact on Different Business Types
Manufacturers: Must update all packaging artwork by September 2026 to comply with new allergen and FOPNL requirements. Budget ₹2-5 lakh for redesign and reprinting.
Importers: Must obtain product-specific approvals through FoSCoS 2.0 for any new imported food product. Processing times have reduced from 90 to 30 days with the digital system.
E-commerce Platforms: Must display FSSAI license numbers and nutrition information on product listings. Platform liability now extends to product information accuracy.
Restaurants & Cloud Kitchens: Calorie information must be displayed on menus for all outlets with annual turnover above ₹50 lakh.
Compliance Checklist
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The 2026 amendments have increased penalties significantly. Operating without proper licensing now attracts fines of up to ₹10 lakh (previously ₹5 lakh), and labelling violations carry penalties of ₹3-5 lakh per product.
Early compliance is not just about avoiding penalties—it's about building consumer trust in an increasingly health-conscious market.
