Supreme Court pushes nationwide audit of India's food safety regime, FSSAI in crosshairs

SC asked Centre, FSSAI and CAG to justify why a performance audit shouldn't probe licensing irregularities, weak enforcement and thin penalties under the 2006 Act. Outcome could reset compliance bar for FMCG, F&B and hospitality operators nationwide.

— Filed Sat, 30 May, 2026, 13:22 IST · Source ET Hospitality · Updated

Supreme Court asked Centre, FSSAI and CAG to justify why a nationwide performance audit of India's food safety regime shouldn't be conducted, citing licensing irregularities, weak enforcement and inadequate penalties — material for FMCG, F&B and hospitality operators.

Why this matters

Adds judicial pressure on FSSAI as front-of-pack labelling rules remain stalled 8 years on, with PepsiCo, ITC and Nestle making only selective voluntary disclosures amid weak enforcement.

Retail-brand signals steady at 744 over the past 90 days, with regulatory scrutiny intensifying around FSSAI.