FSSAI Amendment Regulations 2026 Notified; Ease for Non-Manufacturing Food Businesses

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026. The FSSAI Amendment Regulations 2026 introduce changes to the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, framed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. 

According to the Ministry, the amendments revise certain compliance requirements for food businesses while retaining food safety and traceability measures where they are considered necessary. 

Changes to Record-Keeping and Stock Rotation Requirements 

Under the earlier regulatory framework, all licensed food businesses were required to maintain specified records and follow stock rotation practices based on the principles of First In First Out (FIFO) or First Expiry First Out (FEFO). 

Following the amendment, these requirements will apply only to food manufacturing businesses, where they are intended to support food safety, quality assurance and product traceability. 

Non-manufacturing food businesses, including retailers and similar entities, have been exempted from maintaining these records and following FIFO/FEFO stock rotation requirements. 

Part of Broader Regulatory Reforms 

The Ministry stated that the amendment forms part of its broader regulatory reform measures relating to the food sector. It also referred to several compliance-related changes introduced in recent years, including: 

• Provision of perpetual licences and registrations.
• Revision of turnover thresholds.
• Removal of dual compliance requirements for street food vendors.
• Implementation of a risk-based inspection system. 

Consultations and Policy Background 

The Ministry stated that the amendments were finalised after consultations with States, Union Territories and stakeholders across the food business ecosystem. 

It also said that the amendments are aligned with the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms constituted by NITI Aayog, which recommended reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens while ensuring effective regulatory oversight.