FSSAI Expands Law Firm Panel to Tackle India's Food Safety Concerns

• FSSAI has onboarded four new law firms to tackle food safety concerns across India.
• The authority is handling over 800 cases, highlighting the need for robust legal support.
• Increased inspections and enforcement actions may lead to more notices, licence suspensions, and business closures.

FSSAI's mandate covers a wide range of legal services, including litigation, consumer disputes, legal advisory work, opinions on intellectual property matters, and corporate advice.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has expanded its panel of law firms to tackle growing concerns over food safety across the country. Four new law firms have been onboarded, bringing the total number of firms on FSSAI's panel to eight. The additional firms are SS Rana & Co, Singh & Associates, Suri & Co, and GP Law Chambers.

This move comes as FSSAI and state food safety authorities intensify inspections at restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, warehouses, and manufacturing units. Recent inspections have led to notices, seizures, or destruction of food products, and even licence suspensions for alleged non-compliance with food safety regulations.

FSSAI's mandate covers a wide range of legal services, including litigation, consumer disputes, legal advisory work, opinions on intellectual property matters, and corporate advice. The authority is currently handling over 800 cases across the country, highlighting the need for robust legal support to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

The empanelment process involves selecting law firms that can provide expert advice on various aspects of food safety laws and regulations. FSSAI's decision to onboard more law firms reflects its commitment to strengthening enforcement action against errant food companies.

The expansion of FSSAI's panel of law firms is a significant development for the food industry in India. As inspections and enforcement actions increase, lawyers advising food companies must be aware of the potential consequences of non-compliance with food safety regulations.

Increased scrutiny from FSSAI may lead to more notices, licence suspensions, and even business closures. Food companies must ensure they are compliant with all relevant regulations, including storage, packaging, labelling, and hygiene requirements. Lawyers advising these companies should be prepared to provide expert advice on navigating the complex regulatory landscape.

Lawyers advising food companies in India should watch for increased enforcement action by FSSAI, which may lead to more inspections, notices, and licence suspensions.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]