The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped up its focus on the safe handling, storage and transportation of perishable foods, including paneer, khoa, meat and fish. The regulator has instructed food businesses to maintain the required temperature conditions throughout the supply chain, from sourcing to final delivery.
FSSAI has also asked state food safety authorities to closely monitor compliance and take appropriate action against businesses that fail to follow the prescribed standards.
In a social media post on Sunday, the regulator announced that it had issued an advisory covering the handling, storage and transportation of perishable food products under controlled temperature conditions. It stressed that food business operators (FBOs) must strictly follow hygiene and temperature requirements to protect food quality and public health.
Why FSSAI Has Tightened Food Safety Monitoring
Under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, food businesses must comply with specified hygiene and sanitary requirements.
According to the advisory, FSSAI has received reports that perishable products such as paneer, khoa, meat and fish are sometimes handled, stored or transported without maintaining suitable temperatures.
Such conditions can encourage microbial growth and cause food to spoil quickly, increasing the risk to consumers. The regulator has warned that exposing these products to unsuitable temperatures can compromise food safety and public health.
The requirements apply to businesses involved in manufacturing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution and the sale of these food products.
Temperature Control Required From Sourcing to Delivery
FSSAI has emphasised that the prescribed temperature must be maintained at every stage of the supply chain, beginning with procurement and continuing until the food reaches the final consumer.
Businesses have been instructed to use clean, covered and hygienic vehicles suitable for transporting food. They must also maintain appropriate storage and transportation temperatures and use food-grade packaging along with suitable secondary packaging materials.
The advisory also directs food businesses to protect perishable products from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage and cross-contamination during storage, loading, unloading and transportation.
Maintaining proper records and ensuring consignment traceability are also important requirements. Businesses must retain invoices and other relevant documents to support the movement and handling of their products.
FSSAI Directs Authorities to Take Action Against Violations
FSSAI has asked state food safety commissioners, Indian Railways and its regional directors to instruct the relevant licensing authorities and food safety officers to maintain strict vigilance.
Officials have been directed to pay particular attention to compliance during inspections and transportation checks, ensuring that food businesses follow the prescribed requirements throughout the supply chain.
Businesses found violating the rules may face appropriate enforcement action. Depending on the circumstances, this could include the seizure and destruction of unsafe food products.
The advisory reinforces the importance of maintaining proper temperature controls, hygienic transportation and accurate records to reduce the risk of contamination and spoilage before perishable food reaches consumers.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and summarises the details provided in the reported advisory. Food businesses should consult the applicable FSSAI regulations and official instructions to confirm their compliance obligations.