Why in the News?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) — including restaurants, dhabas, cafes, and eateries — to display their FSSAI licence or registration certificate along with a QR code linked to the Food Safety Connect App in customer-visible areas. This aims to enhance consumer participation, promote transparency, and empower citizens to verify authenticity, lodge complaints, and stay informed about food hygiene practices.

However, persistent unhygienic practices among unregistered street vendors and informal food operators, particularly in cities like Guwahati, reveal challenges in spreading food safety awareness and regulation to the informal sector. This highlights the need for inclusive, technology-driven, and people-centric strategies to strengthen India’s food safety ecosystem.

Background: The Food Safety Framework in India

• The FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to ensure safe and wholesome food for consumers.
• The system includes:
  • Licensing and registration of food businesses
  • Inspection, testing, and certification mechanisms
  • Consumer grievance redressal via the Food Safety Connect App
• FSSAI functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as the apex body for regulating and supervising food safety standards.
• The Act also established State Food Safety Authorities and Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.

Digitalisation of Food Safety Enforcement

The Food Safety Connect App is part of FSSAI’s digital transformation to enhance consumer participation and monitoring.

Key Features:

• Consumers can verify FBO licences and hygiene ratings.
• Users can file complaints and report misleading advertisements.
• Direct connection to jurisdictional food safety authorities for timely action.

Implementation:

• All FBOs must display QR-coded FSSAI certificates at visible points such as billing counters, entrances, and dining areas.
• This measure enhances transparency and accountability in the food service sector.

This initiative complements FSSAI’s digital platforms such as:

• FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) – for business compliance.
• FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification) – for capacity building.

Current Challenges in Food Safety in India

1. Informal and Unregistered Food Sector

Many street food vendors and small eateries operate without registration, escaping oversight. In Guwahati (2025), inspections revealed unsafe oil reuse and contaminated water use among roadside eateries.

2. Low Consumer Awareness

Even educated consumers often ignore hygiene standards. In 2024, studies in metro cities showed over 40% of consumers unaware of the FSSAI logo or verification methods via the app.

3. Adulteration and Unsafe Practices

Seizures of adulterated paneer, milk, and oil across states continue. Unsafe storage and water contamination increase foodborne illness risks.

4. Gaps in Implementation

State departments face staff shortages and delayed redressal. As of 2025, over 40% vacancies in food safety roles were reported in states like Bihar and Assam.

5. Burden of Foodborne Diseases

WHO estimates that 1 in 10 people globally fall ill from contaminated food. India reports millions of such cases annually, straining public healthcare systems.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Food Safety

• Food Safety Connect App: Encourages consumer verification and complaints.
• Clean Street Food Initiative: Trains street vendors on hygiene and safe handling.
• Eat Right India Movement: Promotes safe, sustainable eating habits.
• FoSTaC Training: Capacity building for small food operators.
• Hygiene Rating Scheme: Encourages eateries to self-assess hygiene standards.
• State Food Safety Index (SFSI): Evaluates states on compliance and capacity. In 2024, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu topped the list.
• Eat Right Station Certification: Certifies railway stations for food hygiene and waste management.

The Role of Consumers in Food Safety

Food safety is a shared responsibility. Informed consumer behaviour can drive hygiene and quality standards through demand pressure. However, behavioural change must move beyond information to habit transformation.

Way Forward

• Expand Awareness: Target informal vendors and urban poor through NGO partnerships.
• Behavioural Change Communication (BCC): Sustained, community-based engagement rather than one-time campaigns.
• Leverage Technology: Extend apps like Food Safety Connect in regional languages.
• Formalise Street Vendors: Simplify registration through mobile kiosks.
• Public–Private Collaboration: Engage food delivery platforms to promote hygiene certification.
• Integrate Food Safety with Public Health: Reduce foodborne disease burden on hospitals.
• Social Media Outreach: Use influencers and citizen campaigns for public engagement.

Conclusion

Food safety in India is evolving from a regulatory framework to a participatory movement. Digital initiatives like the Food Safety Connect App signify a shift toward transparency and consumer empowerment. Yet, the success of these measures depends on bridging awareness-behaviour gaps, especially in the informal sector. A sustainable culture of “Eat Right, Eat Safe” demands collective responsibility among government, industry, and citizens.

Mains Practice Question

Discuss the role of digital technology in strengthening food safety and consumer empowerment in India.

Source: Sentinel Assam