FSSAI Tightens Cold Chain Rules for India's Perishable Foods

In a critical move for consumer safety, India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has issued a stern advisory directing Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly maintain prescribed temperature conditions for handling, storing, and transporting perishable items like khoa, paneer, meat, and fish. The directive, dated October 15, 2026, and announced on Sunday, October 18, aims to curb widespread issues of 'temperature abuse' across the food supply chain that jeopardise public health. This urgent advisory comes as FSSAI noted frequent non-compliance with existing hygiene and sanitary requirements, particularly those outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Perishable foods are highly vulnerable to rapid microbial growth and spoilage when not kept at appropriate temperatures, posing serious risks to public health through foodborne illnesses. Looking ahead, FBOs must now ensure their products are transported in clean, covered, hygienic vehicles and protected with food-grade packaging from dust, moisture, and contamination. They are also mandated to maintain strict records for traceability. State food safety officers, along with Indian Railways and FSSAI regional directors, have been tasked with rigorous vigilance and are empowered to take enforcement actions, including the seizure and destruction of non-compliant food products, promising a tougher regulatory environment for the food industry nationwide.