The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out a digital reporting mechanism that allows consumers to file complaints about misleading claims on food packaging.
Former FSSAI director Pradip Chakraborty welcomed the FSSAI’s move to empower consumers to report misleading food labels but stressed that its success hinges on public awareness.
He pointed out that general consumer awareness is still lacking, with only a small and relatively literate section of the population paying attention to food labels or regulations.
“Very few people actually look at food labels, and mostly only the literate segment of the population – and not even all of them – pay attention to this.
“While some people are aware of the relevant laws and regulations and can take action, a wider awareness campaign is needed for this system to be effective,” said Chakraborty, who continues to engage frequently with the FSSAI and is currently advisory board member at Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), a trade body representing the supplement industry.
To make the new complaint mechanism effective, Chakraborty emphasised the need for widespread awareness campaigns.
He highlighted the role of FSSAI’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) division, which is responsible for disseminating information through print and electronic media. In addition to educating consumers, he stressed the importance of training food business operators, who can play a critical role in promoting compliance and awareness from within the industry.
“The IEC is responsible for informing, educating, and communicating with consumers. Campaigns need to be carried out more rigorously. Also, food business operators should be given training so they can help spread awareness. First, we need to build awareness among these operators, and then extend it to consumers through dedicated programmes,” Chakraborty told us.
He added that under existing provisions, consumers already have the authority to purchase food items, submit them for lab testing, and initiate legal proceedings if non-compliance is confirmed.
However, by encouraging consumer participation, FSSAI aims to enhance on-the-ground monitoring and foster a culture of accountability among food businesses.
Consumers as ‘eyes and ears’ for the authorities
The tool allows consumers to upload evidence like product images and manufacturer details, supporting faster regulatory follow-up on misleading claims.
“The new reporting mechanism strengthens ground-level vigilance by empowering consumers to act as the eyes and ears of the food safety authority,” according to a press note issued by FSSAI in April.
The move reinforces FSSAI’s regulatory mandate, which require that all statements on food products be clear, evidence-based, and not misleading. It also complements the efforts of the authority’s Advertisement and Claims Monitoring Committee (AMC), which oversees compliance in both labelling and advertising.
The Food Safety Connect app is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Alternatively, consumers can file their reports via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) .
The initiative forms part of a broader push by FSSAI to tighten food labelling regulations.
Recent moves by the FSSAI include stricter front-of-pack rules for dairy analogues and mandatory milk product logo, plus larger sat fat, sugar, salt labels.
