Ensuring Safe and Quality Food in India: A Comprehensive Review of Food Laws, Regulations, and Standards -Ganesh Shrirang Satarkar (Nale) Affiliation Central University of Haryana, India Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]

Ensuring Safe and Quality Food in India: A Comprehensive Review of Food Laws, Regulations, and Standards -Ganesh Shrirang Satarkar (Nale) Affiliation Central University of Haryana, India Corresponding Author Email: [email protected] This review article critically examines India’s food safety and quality governance framework, emphasizing the role of statutory laws, regulatory mechanisms, and voluntary standards in safeguarding public health and ensuring food quality. The study highlights the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA) as the cornerstone legislation that unified earlier fragmented food laws into a comprehensive, science-based regulatory regime administered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It also explores allied legislations such as the Environment (Protection) Act, Essential Commodities Act, Consumer Protection Act, and Export (Quality Control & Inspection) Act, which collectively reinforce food safety oversight. Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of voluntary standards like AGMARK, BIS, and Codex Alimentarius in enhancing quality assurance, international trade compatibility, and consumer confidence. While acknowledging the robustness of India’s legal architecture, the paper identifies key challenges in implementation, laboratory capacity, compliance by small food business operators, and consumer awareness. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement, digital traceability, and public education to ensure a safe, transparent, and consumer-oriented food system in India.