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FSSAI introduces 'dynamic risk-based' inspection framework in a reformed approach
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Friday, 20 March, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The FSSAI has introduced a series of regulatory reforms with respect to inspection and audit of the food business. These include a new ‘dynamic risk-based’ inspection framework based on a data-driven approach to inspections and audits under Sub-Regulation 2.1.17 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026.
As per the notification, the Food Authority may provide a scheme of periodic inspection and food safety audit of the food businesses and the regulations also mandate the food business operator to grant access to the auditor and provide all records requested by them.
“Frequency and nature of inspections shall be determined through a dynamic risk-based mechanism, type of food business, past compliance history, third-party audit results and risk category of food handled,” reads the notification issued by the FSSAI.
The Food Authority also now holds the power to mandate that Food Business Operators (FBOs) undergo audits by recognised private agencies and the financial burden for these audits falls squarely on the business owners.
“The food business operator, on the direction of the Commissioner of Food Safety or the Food Authority, shall be required to get a food safety audit done by a third-party auditing agency or auditors recognised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, at its own cost,” the notification added.
The regulation also decentralises the planning process with Commissioner of Food Safety in each jurisdiction is now tasked with developing specific inspection plans based on localised risks.
The notification added that the Commissioner of Food Safety should plan for periodic inspections of food businesses in the respective jurisdiction on the basis of risk associated with food and the establishment. And, the jurisdictional food safety officer or any officer specifically authorised by the Commissioner of Food Safety for this purpose will carry out inspection of the registered or licensed food business operators periodically or as decided by the Commissioner of Food Safety as specified under Clause (3) of these regulations.
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