FSSAI to make daily records mandatory for food businesses, MSMEs to bear brunt of new norm

food safety monitoring and traceability by improving documentation of production and storage practices, according to the notification, reviewed by Mint.Such daily documentation will help ensure real-time visibility into food-handling practices across the supply chain, a government official said on condition of anonymity. Clearer documentation could also reduce disputes during inspections.The regulator has not specified the implementation date for the new norms and has invited comments until 5 April 2026.The proposal, notified under the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade framework, will apply to all licensees under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.Mint's emailed queries to the FSSAI chief executive Rajit Punhani remained unanswered.FSSAI data shows that it has issued licences to over 10 million food business operators (FBOs) with the number of currently active ones at around 4.63 million.An industry representative flagged compliance cost and regulatory friction that will accompany the new norms.“Daily reporting would add another burden on small businesses,” said Vinod Kumar, President, SME Forum that represents micro, small, and medium enterprises in India.

"While larger food companies already follow similar practices, smaller units may face higher administrative costs and operational adjustments once the rule is enforced.”Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every food business operator—right from manufacturers to vendors and eateries—is required to obtain an FSSAI licence or registration.The Indian food processing sector accounts for 13% of the country's manufacturing gross value added. Its market is expected to grow to $535 billion by the end of 2025-26, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation,