MoHFW Approves Lifetime FSSAI Licence & Food Safety Reforms

Current Context: On 13 March 2026, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) approved sweeping reforms in food safety regulation.

• FSSAI licences and registrations will now have perpetual validity, eliminating renewals and reducing compliance burden.
• Over 10 lakh street vendors will be granted deemed registration, integrating them into the formal food safety system.
• Reforms were finalized after consultations with States, UTs, and industry stakeholders, ensuring inclusivity.
• Based on recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms, aligning with ease of doing business goals.
• The move cuts red tape, lowers costs, and encourages entrepreneurship in the food processing and retail sector.
• It strengthens the food safety framework, ensuring standards remain robust while simplifying procedures.

Question:

Q.1 Under the new reforms, licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will now have:
a) 1-year validity
b) 5-year validity
c) 10-year validity
d) Perpetual validity

Answer: d) FSSAI licences and registrations will now have perpetual validity, eliminating renewals and reducing compliance burden.