FSSAI

In Part 1 of the blog post series, we explored the complex and multi-layered regulatory framework governing alcohol advertising and packaging in India. We discussed how both central and state laws — shaped by constitutional mandates, statutory provisions, and evolving self-regulatory guidelines — intersect to create a challenging compliance landscape. As we highlighted, the rise of surrogate advertising and the tightening grip of regulators have significantly reshaped industry practices. In this second part, we turn our focus to the fast-evolving regulatory environment specific to digital media, packaging and labelling norms, and the divergent approaches adopted by Indian states. As online platforms become increasingly central to brand communication and consumer engagement, and as product labelling becomes a site of regulatory scrutiny, it is essential to unpack the distinct legal developments shaping the alcohol industry’s future in India.Continue Reading Pouring Over the Law: Navigating Alcohol Advertising & Packaging Regulations in India – Part 2

Pouring Over the Law: Navigating Alcohol Advertising & Packaging Regulations in India – Part 1

CAM Comment: Part 1 of this blog post series aims to shed light on the multi-layered regulatory framework surrounding the advertisement and promotion of alcoholic beverages in India.

Introduction

India presents a uniquely complex regulatory environment for the alcoholic beverages industry. Unlike many sectors governed primarily by central legislation, alcohol falls under the purview of states, creating a fragmented landscape of laws governing production, sale, advertising, and consumption. This complexity stems from the Indian Constitution, which places production,  possession, transport, purchase and sale of intoxicating liquors on the State List, granting states legislative power. This contrasts with the Directive Principle in Article 47, which encourages states to prohibit intoxicating drinks, highlighting an intrinsic conflict between public health objectives and the significant state revenue generated from alcohol excise duties.Continue Reading Pouring Over the Law: Navigating Alcohol Advertising & Packaging Regulations in India – Part 1

Understanding regulatory safeguards for influencer marketing of nutraceuticals in India

Introduction

The last decade witnessed an increasing number of nutraceuticals — in the form of teas, protein powders, or hair-growth gummies — being marketed by influencers and celebrities on social media platforms. The Indian nutraceutical market is experiencing significant growth, mirrored by the meteoric rise in influencer marketing as a potent channel to reach health-conscious consumers. Reports suggest that the Indian nutraceutical market is projected to touch $10.19 billion by 2026. While collaborations between nutraceutical brands and social media influencers offer compelling opportunities for engagement and sales, this intersection operates within a complex and strictly regulated legal environment. Navigating this landscape requires adherence to a multi-layered framework, encompassing inter alia the regulations laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”), the code set out by Advertising Standards Council of India (“ASCI”), and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (“CP Act”). In this article, we outline the key regulatory considerations and underscore the necessity of ensuring compliant nutraceutical marketing campaigns in India.Continue Reading Understanding regulatory safeguards for influencer marketing of nutraceuticals in India

Paneer or Not Really Paneer? Navigating the Regulatory Landscape of Dairy Analogues in India

Introduction

In the Indian culinary landscape, for a substantial segment of the population, particularly those adhering to vegetarian diets, paneer serves not merely as a delicacy but as a vital source of protein and essential nutrients, effectively stepping in where non-vegetarian options might otherwise feature. From rich curries to flavourful stir-fries, delectable snacks and desserts, Indians consume paneer in different forms. However, recent concerns regarding proliferation of ‘fake’ paneer in the market have created doubts and apprehensions in the minds of Indian consumers.Continue Reading Paneer or Not Really Paneer? Navigating the Regulatory Landscape of Dairy Analogues in India

Introduction

In this age of fast-paced routines riddled with stress and anxiety, the increasing and much-needed focus on health and lifestyle has led to the greater consumption of immunity-boosting and lifestyle-enhancing health products. These products are easily accessible and are not medicines or drugs that come with their fair share of risks, fueling a rising attraction towards nutraceutical products. Continue Reading Cure or Supplement – Overlap Between Drugs and Nutraceuticals

Beyond the Basket: Inside India’s Diverse E-Commerce Food Landscape – Part 2

Introduction

In our previous blog post, we provided insights into the regulatory framework governing E-Commerce Food Business Operators (“E-FBOs”)[1] that operate under the purview of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”). The FSSAI, along with its state counterparts, is primarily empowered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (“FSS Act”) and its accompanying rules, regulations, and guidelines to regulate the food industry and establish standards that ensure the safety and quality of food products. We also delved into the recent amendment to the FSS Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses Amendment Regulations, 2021 (“2021 Amendment Regulations”)[2], which were primarily introduced to regulate E-FBOs. We also analysed it in line with the key challenges and obstacles that E-FBOs might encounter, on their road to ensuring full compliance with the regulations.Continue Reading Beyond the Basket: Inside India’s Diverse E-Commerce Food Landscape – Part 2

Beyond the Basket: Analysing Underlying Challenges for India’s E-FBOs – Part 1

Introduction

India’s food industry is experiencing a digital revolution, with E-Commerce Food Business Operators[1] (“E-FBOs”) transforming the way food and related services/ products are being ordered, consumed and experienced. From local restaurants and cafes offering delivery through mobile applications, cloud kitchens serving gourmet meals, groceries delivered within minutes, the E-FBO landscape is brimming with innovation and opportunity. However, this digital transformation is not without regulatory challenges that E-FBOs must navigate to ensure compliance and maintain consumer trust.Continue Reading Beyond the Basket: Analysing Underlying Challenges for India’s E-FBOs – Part 1

From Farm to Fork: Demystifying India’s Food Safety Standards

Introduction

The Indian food industry thrives on innovation and dynamism, hence ensuring the safety of food products remains a top priority for the Indian authorities. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) serves as the guardian of public health, that introduced the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (“FSS Act”). This legislation read with its compendium of regulations, rules, and guidelines meticulously outlines the framework for every step of the food supply chain from its origin to your table. While the FSS Act provides a foundational framework, the nuances of the regulatory framework are recorded in the regulations and guidelines, which have been established over time to encompass and regulate the expansive and ever-changing world of food products. This blog post delves into the legalities that govern the key aspects of the food industry; namely, production, distribution, import, advertising, labelling, and the safety testing standards.Continue Reading From Farm to Fork: Demystifying India’s Food Safety Standards