Maharashtra Challenges FSSAI’s ‘Parallel’ Food Safety Regime
What Happened
The Maharashtra government has approached the Bombay High Court, alleging that FSSAI and the Centre created a parallel food-safety enforcement system that encroaches on powers assigned to state authorities. The plea challenges multiple regulations and a 2023 directive that barred state officers from inspecting centrally licensed food businesses. The state has asked the court to quash the challenged regulations, stay the 2023 restriction and direct FSSAI to transfer licensing databases back to state-designated officers.
Key Takeaways
The case could clarify how food-safety licensing and enforcement powers are divided between the Centre and states under the Food Safety and Standards Act.