FSSAI to extend its labeling regime to restaurant chains

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will extend its labeling regime to restaurant chains that have operations in multiple states or that have outlets in 10 or more locations. The regulations require restaurant chains to make available information to consumers against food items displayed on their menus, including calorific value, allergen details, nutritional information, health warnings, among others. If parameters displayed are breached, restaurants may be liable for selling misbranded food, punishable under Section 52 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with a fine of INR 3 lakh. If, as a result of a breach in allergen descriptions, harm is caused to a customer, based on the degree of harm, liability may extend to INR 10 lakh, accompanied with imprisonment up to life. E-commerce food businesses and delivery services will be required to collect such mandatory information from restaurants and publish it on their portal. These regulatory changes will come into effect from 1st January, 2022.