The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked consumers to actively report food safety violations through its Food Safety Connect mobile application, stressing that public participation is essential to improving food standards across the country.
In a recent message shared on social media, the food regulator encouraged consumers not to ignore unsafe food practices and instead report them through the dedicated platform so that authorities can take timely action. The appeal comes amid increased enforcement activity by FSSAI against businesses facing allegations related to food contamination, misleading advertising and improper labelling.
Recently, the regulator issued notices to Swiggy Instamart following consumer complaints regarding allegedly contaminated eggs, spoiled food products and milk supplied through the platform. The complaints were reportedly linked to possible violations of provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to FSSAI, complaints submitted through the Food Safety Connect app are automatically forwarded to the relevant food safety authority, which carries out verification and initiates action wherever required.
The regulator has intensified inspections and enforcement measures across different sectors in recent weeks. In one such operation, a spice manufacturing facility in Lucknow was shut after officials allegedly detected food adulteration during an inspection. Suspected products were seized and samples were sent for laboratory testing.
FSSAI has also issued notices to several alcoholic beverage manufacturers over the alleged use of unapproved flavouring substances and claims related to age suitability. In another action, beverage companies were questioned over the marketing of products as “energy drinks” allegedly in violation of regulatory norms.
Several companies, including Lotte India, Ferns N Petals, Kubera Foods and Heritage Foods, have also received notices over alleged misleading advertisements and labelling practices.
The companies were asked to respond within seven days regarding claims such as “100 per cent vegetarian”, “100 per cent natural”, “premium chocolate”, “fresh” and “no preservatives”, along with concerns related to nutritional information and ingredient declarations.
Consumers can use the Food Safety Connect platform to report a wide range of issues, including food adulteration, sale of expired products, unhygienic conditions at food establishments, misleading packaging claims and incorrect labelling practices. The platform also allows users to verify whether a food business holds a valid FSSAI licence or registration and to access food safety advisories issued by the regulator.
How to file a complaint through the Food Safety Connect app
- Download the Food Safety Connect app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or visit the consumer grievance portal.
- Register or log in to the platform and choose the option to submit a new complaint.
- Enter details of the food business, including its name, address and FSSAI licence or registration number, if available.
- Select the category of complaint such as adulteration, poor hygiene, expired food, misleading claims or incorrect labelling.
- Upload supporting material including photographs, videos or documents, if available.
- Submit the complaint to generate a unique tracking number.
- Use the tracking number to monitor the progress of the complaint as it moves to the concerned food safety authority for investigation and action.
- If dissatisfied with the outcome, consumers can escalate the matter using the app’s complaint escalation option.
FSSAI has said greater consumer participation can significantly improve compliance and help authorities identify violations more quickly, strengthening food safety monitoring across the country.
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