FSSAI Proposes Amendment to Food Safety Auditing Regulations, 2026

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulations, 2018, seeking to strengthen the qualifications and competency requirements for food safety auditors. The proposed amendments expand the list of eligible academic disciplines to include food technology, food science, biotechnology, agriculture, veterinary science, microbiology, public health, medicine, and several related fields. FSSAI has also proposed making successful completion of an accredited Lead Auditor course in Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000) mandatory. In addition, candidates must possess at least two years of experience in the food sector and have participated in a minimum of ten audits, including internal or third-party audits. The authority has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders within 60 days of the notification’s publication in the Official Gazette before finalising the regulations