FSSAI Proposes Amendments to Food Safety Auditing Regulations, 2026

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulations, 2018. The notification was published on 21 May, 2026 and also invites objections or suggestions from the stakeholders within 60 days. 

Under the proposed amendments, FSSAI has also expanded the list of educational qualifications eligible for food safety auditors. The revised list also includes degrees related to: 

• Food Technology 
• Food Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Agriculture
• Veterinary Science
• Public Health
• Microbiology 
• Medicine and other related disciplines from recognized universities or institutions. 

The draft also mandates successful completion of an accredited Lead Auditor course in Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000). Additionally, auditors must possess at least two years of work experience in the food sector and should have conducted a minimum of ten audits, including internal or third-party audits. 

These amendments aim to strengthen food safety auditing standards and ensure better compliance within the food industry.