GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4786
TO BE ANSWERED ON 28TH MARCH, 2025
FSSAI INSPECTIONS
4786. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH:
SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the FSSAI has faced any challenges in conducting routine inspections or collecting food samples from frozen food manufacturers every three months, particularly in light of the increasing cases of food adulteration in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the measures being taken to ensure timely and periodic collection of samples from these manufacturers to monitor compliance with food safety regulations;
(c) whether the Government is likely to consider strengthening enforcement mechanisms for food safety by allowing unannounced checks and imposing more stringent penalties for violations, including the suspension or cancellation of licenses for manufacturers found guilty of illegal practices and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has taken any concrete steps to address the growing concerns regarding the use of antibiotics, unapproved preservatives colors in frozen food products and
if so, the details thereof;
(e) the actions likely to be taken by the Government to enhance surveillance, sample collection, and surprise inspections at frozen food manufacturers to curb such practices and protect public health;
(f) whether the Government has taken any action in this regard; and
(g) If so, the details thereof along with the data/information on pending/suspension cases across State/UT-wise from the year 2014 to 2025?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (g): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is fully committed to ensure the availability of safe food products to the consumers across the country. Towards this, FSSAI through State/Union Territories and its Regional Offices conducts regular surveillance drives, monitoring, regulatory inspection and random sampling of various food products including frozen food products to check the compliance with the quality and safety parameters and other requirements as laid down under Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and regulations made thereunder. In cases where food samples are found to be non- conforming, penal action is taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations. The state-wise details of License and Registration cancelled due to various non-conformities during the last three years and current year are placed at Annexure.
Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011 specifies tolerance limits of antibiotics and veterinary drugs for meat, milk, fish, honey and poultry. This regulation also specifies a list of 19 antibiotics and veterinary drugs that are not permitted to be used at any stages of processing of meat and meat products and poultry.
Further, Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 specifies the provisions regarding the use of food additives including food colours in various food categories. The safety of food colors and their usage limits are set in alignment with Codex. Use of any non-permitted color is a violation of these Regulations Also, Section 19 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 mandates that no article of food shall contain any food additive or processing aid unless it is in accordance with the provisions of this Act and regulations made thereunder.