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Understanding international food safety regulations
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Monday, 28 April, 2025, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Satish Bhatia
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In today’s global food industry, a simple packet of chips or a bottle of ketchup might travel across several countries before it reaches a store shelf. Raw materials may come from one country, be processed in another, and be packaged in yet another. With so many steps and players involved, food safety becomes not just a local issue but a global priority. As food crosses international borders, it must meet the safety rules of every country it enters. Authorities like FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) are responsible for ensuring food is safe, clearly labelled, and produced under hygienic conditions. For companies in the food business whether local or export-driven understanding and complying with international regulations is now a key part of doing business.
FSSAI: India’s homegrown safety guardian
FSSAI was created under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and is the main authority overseeing food safety in India. Whether it’s a large food factory or a small eatery, every food business must be registered or licensed with FSSAI. The rules require businesses to test their food regularly in NABL-accredited labs and maintain the ability to trace products in case of any issues. All packaged foods must display clear labels with nutrition facts and a list of ingredients. To improve food safety awareness, FSSAI also runs training programmes like FOSTAC (Food Safety Training and Certification), aimed at educating food handlers about hygiene and safety practices. These initiatives help businesses align with both national standards and global expectations.
FDA: America’s influence on global food trade
The US FDA sets some of the most widely respected food safety rules in the world. Any company wanting to export to US must follow these rules closely. One key regulation is the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA), which focuses on preventing food safety problems before they occur rather than reacting after the fact. Under FSMA, food companies must register their facilities, create a detailed food safety plan, and identify steps to prevent hazards. The FDA also requires accurate labelling, including clear information on allergens and nutrition. Random inspections are common, and failure to comply can result in imports being rejected at US ports. Exporters must also follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and participate in the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), which ensures that all imported food meets US safety standards. For many Indian exporters, meeting FDA requirements is key to accessing one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Key differences and how to navigate them
FSSAI and FDA operate differently but share the same goal: to keep food safe for consumers. FSSAI is tailored for the Indian market, considering local eating habits, product types, and food safety concerns. The FDA, in contrast, operates in a more complex and litigation-sensitive environment, especially for international food trade. A food company operating in India but exporting to US must juggle both sets of rules—ensuring local compliance with FSSAI while meeting the higher or more specific standards set by the FDA. While it might sound complicated, businesses that invest in understanding these differences often find they’re more resilient and better prepared for growth.
Keeping up in a changing environment
One of the biggest challenges for companies is keeping up with changing rules. Food laws, especially those related to packaging, ingredients, and labelling, are regularly updated in response to new research and shifting consumer demands. To stay compliant, many companies hire regulatory experts or subscribe to services that track rule changes in real time. Another important area is staff training. Everyone involved—from cooks to cleaners to warehouse staff needs to understand food safety basics. Programmes like FOSTAC in India and PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) in the U.S. help companies build knowledgeable teams that can follow procedures and avoid mistakes. Documentation is also essential. Every step, from sourcing ingredients to cleaning equipment, needs to be recorded. Modern digital systems make it easier to track, store, and retrieve these records especially during audits or product recalls. Having clean, up-to-date logs not only builds trust with regulators but also helps internal teams catch and fix issues early.
Technology is reshaping food safety
New tools are making it easier to maintain high safety standards. Blockchain, for instance, allows businesses to track every step of a food item’s journey, making it easier to trace problems when they arise. Artificial intelligence (AI) can analyse images to detect quality issues, while Internet of Things (IoT) devices can monitor temperatures in real time during transportation or storage. These technologies offer more than just safety—they improve efficiency and reduce waste. For example, a sudden drop in freezer temperature can trigger an instant alert, helping prevent spoilage. Smart systems also help businesses show regulators and customers that their safety processes are working, not just promised on paper.
Testing, audits, and knowing your market
Before food is shipped abroad, especially to high-standard markets like the US or EU, it must be tested in labs that are recognised globally. In India, this means using NABL-certified labs. Overseas, ISO-certified labs are the norm. Testing gives confidence to both the seller and the buyer that the product meets expected safety and quality benchmarks. Regular internal audits and mock recalls are smart ways to test how well a company’s systems work under pressure. These exercises show how fast a business can respond to problems—and help reveal weak points that need fixing. It’s also critical for exporters to understand specific rules in the countries they target. Different regions may have unique requirements on additives, packaging materials, or even the language used on labels. Working with local experts or consultants in each market is often the best way to avoid costly mistakes and delays.
Turning rules into a growth opportunity
At first glance, food safety rules can seem like a heavy burden, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. But these rules also protect companies from lawsuits, product recalls, and reputational damage. More importantly, they open doors to new markets and build customer trust. In today’s digital world, where news of a single contamination incident can go viral in minutes, being seen as a safe and trustworthy brand is more important than ever. Complying with international standards isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s a way to grow stronger, smarter, and more successful. For food companies willing to invest in training, systems, and technology, compliance becomes a competitive edge. It helps them not only meet the rules but also lead the way in delivering safe, high-quality food across a connected global marketplace.
(The author is founder at The Malabar Coast)
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