Food Authority Vacant, FSSAI in Limbo? PIB Fact Check Clarifies Claims, Says Regulator Fully Functional
Two weeks after the Food Authority’s term ended, reports claimed the FSSAI was in regulatory limbo, affecting food licensing and approvals. The government, however, said these claims are misleading, asserting the FSSAI is fully functional and licensing continues without disruption.
New Delhi, January 10: Two weeks after the term of the Food Authority overseeing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) expired, the central government is yet to reconstitute the body, raising concerns over regulatory oversight, claimed Economic times in a report. Reports claimed that the absence of the authority has left India’s food watchdog “headless”, forcing consumers to be more cautious while buying packaged foods amid fears of weak monitoring of ingredients, ultra-processed content and misleading labels.
According to the report, the delay has pushed the FSSAI into regulatory limbo, allegedly stalling approvals of new regulations, updates to food standards and key policy decisions. It further claimed that food business licensing and regulatory clearances were affected due to the non-reconstitution of the Food Authority, creating what consumer groups described as a regulatory vacuum. Did You Get an SMS To Update Your Address To Receive a Package From India Post? PIB Fact Check Debunks Fake Message.
Food Authority Vacant, FSSAI in Limbo? PIB Fact Check Clarifies Claims
The Press Information Bureau (Press Information Bureau) has termed these claims misleading. In an official clarification under PIB Fact Check, the government said the FSSAI is fully functional and that food safety regulation and licensing processes across the country are continuing without disruption. Is the Government Introducing New Rules to Monitor Phone Calls and Social Media With Three Blue Ticks on WhatsApp? PIB Fact Check Debunks Fake News Going Viral.
The PIB clarified that licensing of food businesses does not require approval from the Food Authority and that there is no legal or procedural impediment to granting licences, investments or enforcing food safety standards. It added that day-to-day administration is proceeding smoothly at the central level, with enforcement carried out by State Food Safety Administrations. The Chairperson remains in office, and statutory quorum requirements are being met through the presence of the Chairperson and ex-officio members, ensuring uninterrupted decision-making.
Fact check
Reports alleged that the non-reconstitution of the Food Authority has left the FSSAI headless, causing a regulatory vacuum and stalling food licensing, approvals and policy decisions.
PIB Fact Check said the claims are misleading, stating the FSSAI is fully functional, licensing continues smoothly, and statutory quorum requirements are being met.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2026 02:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).