In short: In an advisory dated 15 October 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reminded food businesses of their duties when they make, pack, store, transport or sell perishable foods such as khoya, paneer, meat and fish. It asked states to step up inspections and checks on vehicles. The advisory restates rules that already apply under Schedule 4 of the FSSAI licensing regulations, so these are not new obligations. Enforcement is what’s being tightened.
What FSSAI expects
- Temperature: keep the prescribed temperature during chilling, storage, transport and delivery.
- Vehicles: use clean, covered vehicles that are suitable for food.
- Packaging: food-grade primary packaging and suitable outer packaging. No gunny bags or other non-food-grade coverings.
- Protection: keep products safe from dust, moisture, pests, damage and cross-contamination while loading and unloading.
- Records: keep invoices and records so every consignment can be traced, and show them when an inspector asks.
Food that doesn’t comply can be seized and destroyed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. State food safety commissioners and the Railways have been asked to monitor compliance.
What it means for you
This matters most to home and small food businesses that deliver dairy, sweets, meat or other chilled items, especially around festivals when volumes jump. Four quick checks:
- Is your FSSAI registration or licence current, with the number shown on your labels and listings?
- Do you use insulated boxes or ice packs for deliveries?
- Is your packaging food-grade?
- Do you keep a simple log of what went out, when, and to whom?
Related: FSSAI registration for a home food business
Sakhi Sangini News Desk · 31 October 2026. Facts are as reported on the dates shown; confirm with the official source before you act. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
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