India's top food regulator is putting science at the forefront of food safety. Starting January 1, 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will require concrete scientific proof, not mere assurances, for any review of food products or standards. This major policy shift aims to fortify public health protection in an era of expanding packaged foods.
From Promises to Proof: A New Regulatory Era
The decision comes after FSSAI observed that numerous past submissions from stakeholders were lacking essential data or presented in inconsistent formats. This made a thorough and reliable risk assessment challenging. Under the new mandate, any stakeholder—be it a manufacturer, importer, or industry body—seeking a scientific risk assessment must follow a single, standardized format. The burden of proving a product's safety will firmly rest on the applicant.
The new rule does not automatically mean a re-evaluation of all foods currently available in the market. It is triggered only when a stakeholder formally approaches FSSAI, either for introducing a novel food product or for a review of an existing standard. This targeted approach ensures regulatory resources are focused where new questions arise.
What Must the Evidence Include?
The required dossier for a food safety review will be comprehensive. Applicants must provide specific data points that are crucial for an Indian context. The mandatory information includes:
- Detailed nutritional composition of the product.
- Data on how much and how frequently Indians actually consume the product.
- Results of toxicological studies to understand potential hazards.
- Scientific evidence establishing safe intake limits.
- Information on potential allergy risks.
- All supporting scientific studies and literature.
This evidence will be scrutinized by FSSAI's Science and Standards Division and further assessed by independent expert panels. Based on this scientific evaluation, the panels will decide whether a product can be approved, continue to be sold, face restrictions, or be subjected to stricter limits.
Why Indian-Specific Data is Non-Negotiable
Officials emphasize that the sharp focus on Indian consumption patterns and dietary habits is a critical component of the new framework. As packaged and processed foods become ubiquitous, relying on safety data from other countries can be misleading. Portion sizes, overall dietary intake, and genetic sensitivities can vary dramatically.
Anjali Bhola, a dietician at the National Cancer Institute, AIIMS Jhajjar, hailed the move. She stated that earlier approvals sometimes relied on limited information. "Since Indian food habits, portion sizes and sensitivities are very different from those in other countries, asking for proper proof about long-term safety, how much people eat and possible allergy risks helps make food rules more practical, science-based and safer for Indian consumers," she explained.
FSSAI has also addressed industry concerns about proprietary information by assuring that all data submitted for risk assessment will be treated as confidential. It will be used solely for scientific evaluation and informed policy-making.
The ultimate message for consumers is clear and empowering. When the safety of a food item is in question, it will be hard scientific evidence, not corporate promises, that determines what stays on the Indian plate. This evidence-based approach marks a significant step towards building a more robust and trustworthy food ecosystem in India.
