About FSSD | Food Safety and Standards Digest

About

The Food Safety and Standards Digest (FSSD) is a biannual publication by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

It shares science-based information and raises awareness about food standards and safety among stakeholders, including food business operators, the scientific community, and consumers.

It links stakeholders with technical papers, expert insights, and peer-reviewed research.

Foreword

It gives me pleasure to present the inaugural issue of the Food Safety and Standards Digest. Regulation is most effective when it is transparent and understood by those it regulates. In a vast country like India, the dissemination of accurate, science-based information is a critical pillar of our regulatory framework.

This Digest is envisioned as a strategic tool to fulfil this objective, providing a structured medium to communicate the scientific rationale behind food regulations to the public and stakeholders alike.

I congratulate the editorial team on this initiative and trust that this publication will serve as a consistent channel for disseminating the Authority's vision for a safer food ecosystem.

PUNYA SALILA SRIVASTAVA

CHAIRPERSON FSSAI, AND SECRETARY, MoHFW, GoI

Preface

The food sector in India is evolving rapidly, driven by global trade, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. In such a dynamic landscape, the effective implementation of food safety norms requires that all stakeholders – from consumers to Food Business Operators to enforcement agencies – possess a current and comprehensive understanding of the regulatory environment.

The Food Safety and Standards Digest is designed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and ground-level awareness. By offering insights into recent notifications, global best practices, and scientific developments, this publication aims to facilitate "informed compliance." It allows the industry to stay abreast of the regulatory trends and strengthen their technical knowledge regarding the scientific principles underlying the standards.

I look forward to the Digest becoming a regular reference point for the food safety community and contributing to the technical capacity building of the sector.

RAJIT PUNHANI

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FSSAI

Editor's Note

The formulation of food safety standards is fundamentally anchored in science. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, mandates that regulatory decisions be based on a structured risk assessment process.

This Digest serves as a platform to explain the scientific rationale governing standard setting and to address technical complexities, without superseding the Act or Regulations. The publication will focus on knowledge sharing in critical areas, including the troubleshooting of test methods, the application of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), and the evaluation of emerging technologies and evolving food systems.

By featuring technical case studies and analysis, the Digest aims to support laboratories, researchers, and technical officers in maintaining scientific rigor. We invite the scientific community to utilize this platform to share knowledge and advance the technical capability of India's food safety network.

SHYAM NARAYAN JHA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Advisor's Desk

I am pleased to present the inaugural issue of the Food Safety and Standards Digest (FSSD). This initiative aims to serve as a structured mechanism for stakeholder engagement, linking regulatory developments with scientific discourse.

The Digest is designed to function as a companion to the National Stakeholder Consultations (NSC) Portal. While the NSC Portal provides direct access to draft regulations for official consultation, the Digest offers the necessary context, independent expert perspectives, and coverage of international trends. It is essential to clarify that this journal serves solely as a means of information sharing and does not constitute a legal document. In the event of any discrepancy, the specific provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its Regulations shall prevail.

To foster a robust exchange of ideas, we invite peer-reviewed contributions – including reviews, case studies, and research findings – from scientific professionals, legal experts, and academia. Detailed submission guidelines are available on the FSSAI website.

ALKA RAO

EXECUTIVE EDITOR