FSSAI tightens cold-chain norms for khoa, paneer, meat and fish
Synopsis
FSSAI has put India's food supply chain on notice: khoa, paneer, meat and fish must now be handled, stored and transported under strict temperature controls at every stage. The advisory reactivates rules already on the books under 2011 regulations — but the regulator's decision to issue a fresh directive signals that cold-chain violations are widespread enough to demand a public crackdown, with the festive season adding urgency.
Key Takeaways
FSSAI issued an advisory on 18 October 2026 mandating temperature-controlled handling of khoa, paneer, meat and fish across the supply chain.
The directive covers all food business operators (FBOs) involved in manufacture, packing, storage, transport, distribution and sale of perishable foods.
FBOs must use clean, covered, hygienic vehicles and food-grade packaging ; gunny bags and non-food-grade coverings are explicitly prohibited.
Operators are required to maintain traceability records and produce consignment documents on demand by the competent authority.
Non-compliance constitutes a violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 , and is actionable under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 .
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Sunday, 18 October 2026, issued a formal advisory directing all food business operators (FBOs) to ensure strict temperature-controlled handling, storage and transportation of highly perishable food items — including khoa, paneer, meat and fish — at every stage of the supply chain. The directive aims to safeguard food safety and protect public health across India.
Why FSSAI Stepped In
The regulator stated that it has come to its notice that perishable food items are at times not handled, stored or transported under appropriate temperature conditions. Given the highly perishable nature of these products, any lapse in prescribed temperature requirements makes them vulnerable to microbial growth and spoilage, posing direct risks to consumers.
FSSAI warned that exposure to temperature abuse would not only compromise food safety but would also constitute non-compliance with the hygiene and sanitary requirements specified under applicable regulations.
What the Regulations Already Require
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, food business operators are already mandated to maintain prescribed temperatures throughout the supply chain — from procurement and sourcing right through to delivery to the end consumer. This covers chilling, transportation, storage and distribution activities. The advisory effectively reiterates and reinforces these existing obligations, signalling that enforcement attention will follow.
Key Directives for Food Businesses
All FBOs engaged in the manufacture, packing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of such products have been directed to transport food only in clean, covered and hygienic vehicles suitable for food transportation. They must maintain prescribed temperature conditions throughout both storage and transit without interruption.
Operators have also been instructed to use only food-grade packaging materials and suitable secondary packaging, specifically avoiding gunny bags or other non-food-grade coverings that could compromise product safety. Products must be protected from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage and cross-contamination during storage, loading, unloading and transit.
Traceability and Documentation
Beyond physical handling, FSSAI has asked food businesses to maintain proper records and traceability of consignments. Operators must produce invoices or other relevant documents whenever demanded by the competent authority. This traceability requirement is designed to enable swift regulatory action in the event of a contamination incident or consumer complaint.
What Happens Next
The advisory does not specify a deadline for compliance, but any violation of these temperature and hygiene standards is already actionable under existing food safety law. Industry stakeholders — particularly dairy cooperatives, cold-chain logistics firms and meat processors — are expected to review their operating procedures in light of the directive. Repeat non-compliance could invite licensing action or penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. With the festive season under way and demand for dairy and meat products elevated, the timing of the advisory underscores the regulator's intent to pre-empt food safety incidents.
Point of View
A targeted inspection drive would suffice. The fact that the regulator has gone public suggests the problem is systemic — and that FBOs across dairy, meat and logistics are routinely cutting corners. The festive-season timing is no coincidence; this is when perishable food volumes surge and supply chains are most stressed. The real test of this advisory is whether it is followed by visible enforcement action, or quietly files away alongside dozens of similar directives that changed little on the ground.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has FSSAI directed in its latest advisory on perishable foods?
FSSAI has directed all food business operators to handle, store and transport perishable items such as khoa, paneer, meat and fish under strict temperature-controlled conditions throughout the supply chain. The advisory also mandates food-grade packaging, hygienic vehicles, pest and contamination controls, and proper traceability documentation.
Which food items does the FSSAI cold-chain advisory cover?
The advisory specifically covers highly perishable items including khoa, paneer, meat and fish. These products are flagged as particularly vulnerable to microbial growth and spoilage when temperature requirements are not maintained.
What rules back up the FSSAI advisory?
The advisory draws on the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, which already require FBOs to maintain prescribed temperatures from procurement through to final delivery. Violations are actionable under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
What are the packaging requirements under the new directive?
FBOs must use food-grade packaging materials and suitable secondary packaging. The use of gunny bags or any non-food-grade coverings that could compromise product safety is specifically prohibited under the advisory.
What penalties can food businesses face for non-compliance?
Non-compliance with temperature and hygiene standards constitutes a violation of existing food safety regulations and can attract licensing action or financial penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI's competent authorities can demand consignment documents and take action on the spot.
