FSSAI Issues Advisory on Controlled-Temperature Handling of Perishable Foods

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory directing Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure that perishable food commodities are handled, stored and transported under appropriate controlled temperature conditions. The advisory, dated 15 October 2026, was issued by the Regulatory Compliance Division.

Why the Advisory Was Issued

FSSAI noted that perishable items such as khoa, paneer, meat and fish are at times not handled, stored or transported at the right temperatures. Because of their perishable nature, these products are highly susceptible to microbial growth and spoilage when temperature conditions are not maintained.

Regulatory Basis

Under the Conditions of Licence in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, FBOs must maintain the prescribed temperature across the entire supply chain. This covers procurement and sourcing, chilling, transportation, storage, distribution and final delivery to the consumer.

FSSAI has stated that subjecting these products to temperature abuse may adversely affect food safety and public health, and amounts to non-compliance with the hygiene and sanitary requirements of Schedule 4.

Directions to Food Business Operators

All FBOs involved in the manufacture, packing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of perishable food commodities have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the following:

• Transport food only in clean, covered and hygienic vehicles or conveyances suitable for carrying food.
• Maintain the prescribed temperature conditions throughout storage and transportation.
• Use only food-grade packaging and suitable secondary packaging materials. Packing or transporting in gunny bags or other non-food-grade coverings that may compromise product safety should be avoided.
• Protect products from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage and cross-contamination during storage, loading, unloading and transportation.
• Maintain proper records and traceability of consignments, and produce invoices or other relevant documents whenever demanded by the competent authority.

Enforcement

Commissioners of Food Safety of all States and Union Territories, Indian Railways and Regional Directors of FSSAI have been requested to direct Licensing Authorities and Food Safety Officers to maintain strict vigilance during inspections and transportation checks. In cases of non-compliance, appropriate action, including seizure and destruction of the product, may be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made under it.

The advisory was signed by Dr. Amit Sharma, Executive Director (Compliance Strategy), FSSAI, and has been circulated to all FBOs, State and UT Food Safety Commissioners, the Railway Board and FSSAI Regional Directors.

Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Advisory F. No. RCD-15001/11/2021-Regulatory-FSSAI, dated 15 October 2026)