FSSAI Licensing Thresholds Revised: Maharashtra FDA Crackdown Highlights Food Safety Act 2006

Centre Considers Landmark Legislation for Women Farmers on Lines of Maharashtra Act 2026

The Centre is considering a separate law to protect women farmers' rights, inspired by the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026. This aligns with the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 and marks a shift towards income-centric agriculture, a key theme for UPSC Mains (GS1, GS2, GS3).

India's Food Safety Rulebook Under Scrutiny: 5.18 Lakh Samples Tested, 88,192 Penalties (2022-25)

The article examines gaps in India's food safety enforcement despite the comprehensive Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Key issues include licensing, inspections, testing, traceability, and the rise of quick-commerce. Over 5.18 lakh samples were tested between 2022-25, with 88,192 penalties but only 3,614 convictions, highlighting enforcement weaknesses.

FSSAI Safe Food Regulations 2020 Enforced in Maharashtra Schools; Junk Food Banned

Maharashtra's School Education Department has issued a to-do checklist enforcing the FSSAI's Safe Food and Balanced Diet for School Children Regulations 2020. All schools must ban junk food, ensure valid FSSAI licences for all food operators, and include nutritious items like fruits and pulses in menus. This is critical for understanding state-level food safety enforcement and child health governance.

SC Questions FSSAI's Two-Phase FoPL Rollout, Seeks Timeline & Nutritional Literacy in Schools by Sep 28

The Supreme Court has directed the FSSAI to provide a clear timeline for its two-phase front-of-pack warning label rollout and to consider an alternative model based on nutrient thresholds. The Court also asked the Centre to introduce nutritional literacy in school curricula. This is crucial for exam aspirants as it involves judicial oversight on food safety regulation, public health policy, and education reform.

Supreme Court Directs FSSAI to Set Timeline for FoPL Phase-II High Fat-Sugar-Salt Warning Labels

The Supreme Court has asked FSSAI to provide a scientifically justified and clearly defined timeline for the second phase of Front-of-Package Labelling (FoPL) that warns about high fat, sugar, or salt in packaged foods. The court warned that without a deadline, implementation could be indefinitely postponed and also flagged gaps in label design and school-level nutritional literacy. The next hearing is scheduled for September 10.

FSSAI Issues Prohibition Order to Dabur for Misleading '100%' Claims on Food Products

FSSAI's crackdown on misleading '100%' claims on food products is a major regulatory action that tests your understanding of the FSS Act, 2006, and the FSS (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018. This news is relevant for Prelims (FSSAI, regulations, consumer protection) and Mains (food safety, ethics in business, regulatory framework).

Maharashtra Mandates Safe Food Norms in Schools; Bans HFSS Items, Covers All Boards

Maharashtra has issued a statewide compliance order to ensure safe, balanced food in all schools, banning HFSS items (junk food) within premises and a 50-metre zone. The move targets childhood obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, making it a key governance and public health initiative for exam aspirants.

FSSAI Shelves Colour-Coded Front-of-Pack Labels After Food Industry Lobbying; SC Scrutinises Decision

India’s food regulator FSSAI has dropped its push for colour-coded front-of-pack warning labels, proposing instead a black-and-white nutrition table, after intense industry lobbying. The Supreme Court is scrutinising the decision as 80% of India’s packaged food market is high in fat, sugar and salt, with a Lancet study projecting 450 million Indians may be obese/overweight by 2050. This is a key case study for Mains on regulatory independence, corporate lobbying and consumer right to health information.