Awareness, perception, and practices of Ayurveda doctors toward FSSAI (Ayurveda Ahara) Regulations Act 2022: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI; Ayurveda Ahara) Regulations Act 2022 was established by the FSSAI to regulate the safety, quality, and labeling of Ayurvedic food products. This Act is specifically designed to distinguish Ayurvedic food products from Ayurvedic medicines and proprietary drugs, ensuring that they meet strict standards of safety and authenticity. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Ayurvedic doctors regarding the FSSAI (Ayurveda Ahara) Regulations Act 2022. It seeks to understand their level of awareness and implementation of these regulations in clinical practice and to identify areas for further education or training. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from April 4, 2024, to June 20, 2024, using Google Forms. The semi-structured questionnaire included 31 questions divided into four sections covering knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward the FSSAI Ayurveda Ahara regulations. The survey included 148 qualified Ayurvedic doctors from across India. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed, and the results were expressed as percentages. RESULTS: Out of 148 respondents, 85.1% were aware of the FSSAI Ayurveda Ahara regulations, but only 14.2% were thoroughly familiar with them. Most respondents had acquired knowledge through professional associations (83.7%) and medical journals (72.9%). While 81.8% of the doctors believed in the significant role of the regulations in public health, practical challenges such as the availability of compliant products and patient adherence were identified. Only 54.7% of doctors were likely to incorporate compliant Ayurvedic food products into their treatment recommendations. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need for enhanced education and dissemination of detailed information about the FSSAI (Ayurveda Ahara) Regulations Act 2022. Despite positive attitudes toward the regulations, practical application is hindered by significant challenges. Addressing these gaps through targeted training programs, improved information dissemination, and supportive measures is essential for effective implementation.