{"id":130501,"date":"2026-10-25T11:00:32","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T05:30:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=130501"},"modified":"2026-10-25T13:14:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T07:44:33","slug":"maharashtra-vs-fssai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/maharashtra-vs-fssai\/","title":{"rendered":"Maharashtra vs FSSAI &#8211; The Federal Dispute over Food-Safety Enforcement"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Maharashtra vs FSSAI Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Maharashtra Government has approached the Bombay High Court against the Union Health Ministry and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The State government alleges that the central regulator has created a <\/span><b>parallel food-safety enforcement mechanism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that encroaches upon the statutory powers of State authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The petition, filed through Maharashtra\u2019s Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, challenges the manner in which centrally licensed food businesses are regulated and inspected.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Core Issue &#8211; Centralisation vs Decentralisation<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dispute centres on the <\/span><b>interpretation and implementation <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maharashtra argues that the legislation was intended to decentralise food-safety administration, with implementation primarily involving &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State Commissioners of Food Safety;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food Analysts; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the State, subsequent orders and regulations have gradually shifted enforcement towards FSSAI and its central officials, weakening the role of State authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Major Point of Contention<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maharashtra alleges that the <\/span><b>FSSAI order<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (dated May 12, 2023) restricted State Food Safety Commissioners and their officers from independently enforcing the FSS Act in establishments holding a Central Licence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The State claims that FSSAI subsequently created or <\/span><b>deployed positions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as Central Licensing Authorities, Central Food Safety Officers and Central Food Analysts, thereby establishing a parallel enforcement structure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The petition argues that such arrangements effectively \u201c<\/span><b>usurp<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d the powers of State Commissioners of Food Safety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, FSSAI&#8217;s own enforcement framework recognises both central and state structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, the precise <\/span><b>division of enforcement jurisdiction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a key legal issue before the Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Licensing Thresholds and FoSCoS<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maharashtra has also challenged FSSAI&#8217;s revision of the turnover thresholds determining whether a food business requires a State Licence or a Central Licence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, the revised thresholds are &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Registration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Turnover up to \u20b91.5 crore<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>State licence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Above \u20b91.5 crore and up to \u20b950 crore<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Central licence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Above \u20b950 crore<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These revised thresholds became applicable from April 1, 2026 for new applications, with migration arrangements for existing businesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FSSAI states that the amendments did not change the jurisdiction of licensing authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maharashtra, however, alleges that the changes were introduced <\/span><b>without <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adequate prior public <\/span><b>consultation <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and has challenged the relevant regulatory provisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The State has also questioned the mandatory use of the Food Safety Compliance System (<\/span><b>FoSCoS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It argued that <\/span><b>centralised digital licensing and databases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could weaken the ability of State authorities to independently monitor and inspect food businesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>FSSAI and its Role<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FSSAI is India&#8217;s <\/span><b>apex statutory food-safety regulator<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> established under the FSS Act, 2006.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Key functions of FSSAI:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lays down science-based standards for food articles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provides a <\/span><b>unified legal framework<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for food safety by replacing multiple earlier food-related laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulates licensing and registration of Food Business Operators (<\/span><b>FBOs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coordinates food-safety enforcement with State and Union Territory authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescribes standards for food testing and facilitates a network of food laboratories.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Undertakes risk assessment, surveillance and food-safety monitoring.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulates imported food articles at ports of entry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promotes food-safety awareness and capacity building.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every FBO is required to obtain the applicable FSSAI registration or licence under<\/span><b> Section 31<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the FSS Act.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>FSSAI-State Relationship and Relief Sought by State<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Enforcement structure:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FSS Act envisages that <\/span><b>State enforcement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is carried out through the Commissioner of Food Safety, Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers, Food Analysts and local bodies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>FSSAI <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exercises its statutory functions at the national level.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thus, the present dispute is essentially about where the <\/span><b>line between<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> central standard-setting\/licensing and State-level enforcement should be drawn.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Maharashtra&#8217;s main grievances: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The State has argued that &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FSSAI has progressively <\/span><b>centralised <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">food-safety enforcement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State officers have been <\/span><b>restricted <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">from inspecting centrally licensed establishments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creation of central enforcement posts allegedly goes beyond the statutory framework.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Revised licensing <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thresholds were allegedly introduced without adequate public consultation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>FoSCoS <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may result in excessive central control over food-business databases and licensing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relief sought:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Maharashtra has sought &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quashing of the challenged provisions of the 2011 Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2018 Recruitment Regulations and 2026 Amendment Regulations;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An interim stay on the May 2023 order;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restoration of State authorities&#8217; inspection powers over centrally licensed businesses; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transfer of relevant FoSCoS database records back to State authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The case raises broader questions of<\/span><b> cooperative federalism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, administrative decentralisation and regulatory federalism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food safety requires uniform national <\/span><b>standards <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">because food supply chains frequently cross State boundaries.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, <\/span><b>enforcement <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">often depends on local knowledge, field inspections and State administrative machinery. The challenge, therefore, is to maintain a <\/span><b>balance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Source: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/legal-news\/tukaram-mundhe-maharashtra-bombay-high-court-fssai-parallel-enforcement-powers-dispute-10935215\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><b>IE<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maharashtra vs FSSAI: Legal dispute over food-safety enforcement, state powers and central inspections.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":130545,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[11145,60,22,59],"class_list":["post-130501","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","tag-maharashtra-vs-fssai","tag-mains-articles","tag-upsc-current-affairs","tag-upsc-mains-current-affairs","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130501","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=130501"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130501\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":130549,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130501\/revisions\/130549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/130545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=130501"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=130501"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=130501"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}