LATEST FSSAI UPDATES: WHAT FOOD BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has introduced a comprehensive set of changes that will significantly reshape the way food businesses operate across the country. The FSSAI’s new regulations, officially published on July 10, 2025, are scheduled to take effect from February 1, 2026. These revisions strengthen existing food safety rules and regulations in India, ensuring that Indian standards stay aligned with international expectations and consumer protection goals. For detailed information on FSSAI and the registration process, please visit this page.

The amendment introduces new criteria for a broad range of food categories, including edible oils, processed meats, herbs, enzymes, colours, and packaged beverages. With these updates, the industry is set to undergo one of the most substantial regulatory transitions of recent years.

Read the official notification here.

MAJOR CHANGES INTRODUCED IN PRODUCT STANDARDS

Revised FSSAI Refractive Index for Edible Oils

FSSAI has redefined the refractive index ranges for popular edible oils, including palm oil and palmolein. These updated values, now standardized at 40°C and 50°C, are crucial for detecting adulteration and ensuring purity. Laboratories and oil manufacturers will need to modify testing protocols to maintain FSSAI compliance. Businesses seeking assistance can use TMWala’s regulatory support services to ensure accurate transition and documentation.

FSSAI Regulatory Standards for Meat Sausages

For the first time, clear-cut parameters have been issued for different types of sausages smoked, cooked, fermented, or fresh. These standards outline:

• Defined ingredient composition
• Approved processing techniques
• Mandatory temperature-controlled storage
• Rules on additives, hygiene, and microbiological criteria

This marks a significant step forward in regulating processed meat products and reducing compliance ambiguity.

New Standards for Dehydrated Tarragon (Vilayati Damnak)

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), commonly used as a culinary herb, now has formal quality specifications in India. These include limits on moisture, ash content, foreign particles, essential oil percentage, and the presence of compounds like methyleugenol and estragole. This clarity supports better import screening and domestic quality assurance.

Packaged Drinking Water – Changes in SKU Categories

FSSAI has restructured pack-size classifications for drinking water. The amendments include:

• Revised volume brackets, such as 75 ml to 500 ml, for certain categories
• Alignment of SKU segments to prevent market confusion

Beverage companies must update packaging lines and labeling to meet the new norms before release.

UPDATES IN ADDITIVES AND PROCESSING AIDS

Food Colours and Safety

Earlier footnotes regarding the absence of toxic contaminants (such as heavy metals) in synthetic food colours like Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow have been removed. Instead, colour safety will now be governed through broader contaminant standards established under the 2011 framework. These updates require manufacturers to reassess internal quality controls and labeling in accordance with the Food licensing and registration system.

Clarification on Synthetic Food Colour Mixtures

The amendment brings clearer definitions of what constitutes an acceptable colour mixture. It outlines:

• Approved carriers such as sugar, starch, or salt
• Compulsory declaration of total colour content
• Rules for product clarity and uniformity

This offers transparency for manufacturers and ensures consistent quality across processed foods.

Removal of Limits on Steviol Glycosides in Hot Beverages

The previous cap of 160 ppm for steviol glycosides in hot beverages has been eliminated. This gives formulators enhanced flexibility, particularly for tea, herbal blends, and other low-calorie drinks. Innovation in the natural sweetener category is expected to accelerate as a result.

EXPANSION OF THE APPROVED ENZYME LIST

FSSAI has broadened its list of permitted enzymes sourced from both GMO and non-GMO strains. These enzymes support key applications, including:

• Oil degumming
• Milk coagulation (e.g., Chymosin)
• Egg and seafood processing
• Dough improvement and starch modification

All added enzymes must still meet strict contaminant and safety limits, ensuring high product integrity.

WHAT FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS MUST PREPARE FOR

To comply with the new framework, FBOs must understand how each category affects their operations:

Area Affected	Who It Applies To	Risk of Non-Compliance
Revised oil indices	Oil processors, testing labs	Adulteration alerts, regulatory rejection
Sausage standards	Meat processors	Penalties, product withdrawals
Packaged water volumes	Beverage manufacturers	Label errors, SKU restrictions
Food colours & additives	Processed food brands	Fines, import/export barriers
Enzyme regulations	Food manufacturers	Audit failures, market disruption

These regulations make it essential for businesses to stay updated with every FSSAI license update and navigate FSSAI renewal rules without error. TMWala provides hands-on support for navigating application procedures, documentation audits, and compliance reporting.

WHAT FOOD BUSINESSES NEED TO DO NEXT

Manufacturers

Producers must adapt formulations, modify testing methods, and ensure precise labeling before February 2026. Missing any update may result in compliance gaps during inspections.

Importers

International suppliers must verify product eligibility before shipping goods to India. Clear adherence to the FSSAI new regulations will help avoid customs delays and costly rejections at entry points.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Companies must also ensure they maintain complete paperwork under the documents required for FSSAI registration, especially if they introduce new product lines or revise formulations. Staying compliant with the evolving food safety and standards authority of India rules is now more critical than ever.

TMWala can guide FBOs through every stage from documentation and product classification to ongoing maintenance within the Food licensing and registration system.

CONCLUSION

As India tightens its regulatory framework, every stakeholder, from small manufacturers to large importers, must align operations with the updated standards. A proactive approach to FSSAI compliance will not only protect your business but also ensure safer products for consumers.

If your business needs assistance interpreting the new guidelines or preparing for audits, TMWala’s regulatory experts can help streamline the process, avoid penalties, and simplify your journey toward full compliance.

FAQs

1. When do the latest FSSAI new regulations come into effect?
   They will be enforced from February 1, 2026.
2. Why did FSSAI update multiple product standards?
   To strengthen food safety and align India with global regulatory practices.
3. What changed in the refractive index standards for edible oils?
   New refractive index values for oils like palm oil and palmolein at 40°C and 50°C.
4. What are the new rules for meat sausages?
   Defined composition, processing standards, storage requirements, and microbiological limits.
5. What standards were added for dehydrated tarragon?
   Limits on moisture, ash, volatile oil, foreign matter, and certain compounds.
6. How have packaged drinking water SKUs changed?
   Revised packsize categories, including updates to the 75 ml–500 ml range.
7. What changed regarding synthetic food colours?
   Old contaminant footnotes removed; safety now governed by 2011 contaminant standards.
8. What is the update on steviol glycosides in hot beverages?
   The 160 ppm limit has been removed for greater formulation flexibility.
9. What’s new in the approved enzyme list?
   Additional GMO and non-GMO enzymes approved for food processing.
10. What should FBOs do to stay compliant?
    Update formulations, testing, labeling, and ensure all FSSAI compliance documents are in order.