Stories
FSSAI Issues Strict Advisory on Storage and Transport of Perishable Foods
- •The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed food businesses to maintain prescribed temperature conditions for perishable items like paneer, meat and fish.
- •An advisory dated October 15, 2026, warns that inadequate temperature control causes microbial growth and poses public health risks.
- •Food business operators must ensure temperature control across the entire supply chain, including procurement, storage, warehousing and delivery.
- •Businesses are required to use clean, hygienic, covered vehicles and food-grade packaging while strictly avoiding non-food-grade coverings like gunny bags.
- •State food safety commissioners and railway authorities have been instructed to closely monitor compliance and take strict enforcement action, including product seizure.
Key Questions Answered
The FSSAI directed food businesses to maintain prescribed temperature conditions throughout the entire supply chain—including procurement, chilling, transportation, warehousing, and distribution—for perishable items like paneer, khoya, meat, and fish to prevent spoilage and microbial growth.
Food business operators must use clean, covered, hygienic vehicles and appropriate food-grade packaging materials, strictly avoiding non-food-grade coverings like gunny bags. Shipments must also be protected from dust, moisture, pests, and cross-contamination.
Food safety commissioners, Indian Railways, and regional directors are instructed to monitor compliance closely during inspections. In cases of non-compliance, authorities may initiate enforcement actions, including the seizure and destruction of products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
