The government has refuted an article published by the newspaper ‘The Economic Times’, which claimed that food business licensing and regulatory approvals have stalled due to issues within the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

The Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau clarified that FSSAI is fully functional, and food safety regulation and licensing processes across the country are continuing without any disruption. It also said that licensing of food businesses does not require approval from the Food Authority, and there is no legal or procedural impediment to the grant of licences, investments, or the enforcement of food safety standards.

The Fact Check Unit highlighted that the day-to-day administration and implementation of FSSAI are proceeding smoothly at the central level, with enforcement carried out by State Food Safety Administrations. It said that the Chairperson remains in office, and statutory quorum requirements are consistently met through the presence of the Chairperson and ex-officio members, ensuring uninterrupted decision-making. The Fact Check Unit has declared all such claims by ‘The Economic Times’ as misleading.