FSSAI enforcement action against CG Foods highlights food safety governance challenges

Hindustan Times - India · 4 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance

FSSAI ordered CG Foods to stop production of 'veg bhujia' due to multiple food safety violations, including unlicensed manufacturing and reprocessing of broken noodles, underscoring regulatory gaps in food safety enforcement.

Key points

FSSAI directed CG Foods India to discontinue production of 'veg bhujia namkeen' after detecting violations during an inspection at its Ajmer facility, demonstrating proactive regulatory oversight.

The inspection revealed reprocessing of floor-collected broken noodles into bhujia products without heat treatment, posing significant health risks to consumers.

Unlicensed manufacturing of 'Wai-Wai MaMa' and 'Wai-Wai Mama Punte' bhujia variants was identified, violating Section 31(1) of the FSS Act, 2006.

FSSAI seized 32,107.2 kilograms of stock, including loose and broken noodles, and detained 1,925 boxes of expired finished goods, indicating systemic quality control failures.

The unit had hygiene deficiencies including inadequate pest-control records and food safety documentation, highlighting gaps in compliance monitoring.

[GS2-Governance] This case connects to public administration questions on regulatory effectiveness, showing the challenges in enforcing food safety standards across India's vast food processing sector.

[GS3-Economy] The incident raises concerns about the informal practices in India's $50 billion processed food industry and their impact on consumer trust and brand reputation.

FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani emphasized the importance of accurate consumer information, linking this case to broader food labeling and transparency issues in India.

Way Forward: Strengthen FSSAI's inspection capacity with digital monitoring systems, implement stricter penalties for repeat violators, and establish a public rating system for food manufacturers to enhance transparency and accountability.

Key terms

FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for regulating food safety and standards. It consolidates various food-related laws and sets science-based standards for food articles to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

FSS Act, 2006

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is a comprehensive legislation that established FSSAI as the apex food regulator in India. It repealed eight existing food-related laws and created a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards, harmonizing India's food regulatory framework with international standards.

Section 31(1) of FSS Act

Section 31(1) mandates that no person shall commence or carry on any food business except under a license. This provision is crucial for maintaining traceability and accountability in India's food supply chain, with violations attracting penalties under Section 63 of the Act.

Food Safety Violations

In the Indian regulatory context, food safety violations encompass adulteration, misbranding, unsafe processing, and non-compliance with hygiene standards. These are punishable under Chapter IX of the FSS Act with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, reflecting the Act's deterrent approach to public health protection.