Working on science-based regulatory framework while ensuring public health: Advisor, FSSAI
March 13, 2026
NEW DELHI, 13 March 2026: Dr Satyen Kumar Panda, Advisor (Additional charge of Executive Director – Regulatory Committee, Regional Office), Advisor (Quality Assurance), FSSAI today said that FSSAI is working towards creating an enabling regulation environment to further provide Ease of Doing Business to industry.
Addressing the ‘FICCI Symposium – Decoding the Science Behind UPF (Ultra Processed Foods) Hype’, Dr Panda added that as the national food regulator, FSSAI is committed to providing a structured science-based framework that are both pragmatic and considers the India’s diverse food landscape and the global best practices. “Over the years, various measures have been introduced to address the consumption of processed foods, including robust regulations and guidelines thereby encouraging development of healthier products,” he highlighted.
Speaking on facilitating the Ease of Doing Business, Dr Panda stated that the recent amendments to licensing and registration of business regulations increased the threshold limit of registration and state license. The detailed order will be issued in a few days, he emphasized.
Dr Panda further stated that FSSAI is also working on issuing perpetual license system along with introducing a new dynamic risk-based inspection system. “Our commitment is to create an enabling environment that promotes both public health and business,” he noted.
Speaking on the FICCI Knowledge Paper on - Understanding ‘Sugar’ and ‘Sugars’, released during the event, Dr Panda, added that it is important to clearly distinguish between the various terms, their scientific definitions and regulatory interpretations so that food choices are guided by facts rather than perception.
Mr Siraj Hussain, Former Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, GoI and Advisor, FICCI Food Processing Committee said that in the last few years, food processing has received a back-press, and ultra processed foods have received even worse. “The entire regulatory burden of food is being borne by the packaged food industry. The unregulated or unbranded industry is not facing the same regulatory burden,” he added.
Mr Tarun Arora, President, FICCI-CIFTI said that the consumption of packaged food products is on the rise due to rapid urbanization, change in lifestyles and rising incomes. The packaged food market in India is expected to grow significantly. “There is a need to create consumer awareness around informed choices, balanced diets and a healthier food environment including portion control and need for regular physical activities,” he added.