The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on May 25, 2026, issued the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Amendment Regulations, 2026, further to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulations, 2018.
The following has been amended:
• The amendments significantly expand the list of eligible educational qualifications to include Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degrees in a wide range of food, agriculture, biotechnology, veterinary, health, and life science disciplines, as well as any equivalent qualification recognized for Food Safety Officers by the Food Authority.
• The draft regulations also require candidates to have completed an Accredited Lead Auditor Course in Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000). Further, the experience criteria are revised to mandate a minimum of two years of work experience in the food sector or industry, along with participation in at least ten audits, including internal or third-party audits.
• Objections or suggestions, if any, may be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi - 110002 or sent by email at [email protected] by July 28, 2026.
[Notification no. - RCD-02002/1/2025-Regulatory-FSSAI]
