FSSAI Implements QR Code Initiatives

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated measures aimed at enhancing public health safety in India by mandating all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to display their FSSAI license or registration certificate prominently, including a QR code for the Food Safety Connect app. This initiative is designed to empower consumers and facilitate a user-friendly grievance redressal mechanism.

Key Details:

• Regulatory Requirement: The measure is based on License number 1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
• Target Audience: All FBOs, including restaurants, dhabas, cafes, and eateries, are required to follow this guideline.
• Display Location: The FBOs must ensure that the FSSAI license/registration certificate along with the QR code is displayed in areas that are visible to customers, such as entrances, billing counters, or seating areas.
• Digital Compliance: The QR code or a direct downloading link for the Food Safety Connect app must also be integrated into FBOs' digital assets, including websites and online ordering platforms, wherever applicable.
• Purpose of the Food Safety Connect App: The app serves multiple functions:
  • Allows consumers to lodge complaints concerning food safety and hygiene.
  • Enables reporting of misleading claims on food products.
  • Provides information about licensed and registered FBOs.
  • Keeps users informed about FSSAI's latest initiatives and alerts concerning food safety.
• Grievance Mechanism: Complaints submitted via the app are directed to the concerned jurisdictional authority, ensuring timely responses and minimizing delays in addressing consumer grievances.

Context and Implications:

• Consumer Empowerment: By facilitating a direct platform for consumers to report issues, this initiative aims to strengthen the food safety ecosystem in India.
• Health Safety Promotion: The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote public health through better food safety measures.
• Nationwide Implementation: The advisory was issued as a nationwide mandate, emphasizing the importance of compliance across all FBOs.
• Date of Implementation: The advisory was published on August 2, 2025, reflecting the ongoing evolution of food safety governance in India.

Overall, this initiative not only aligns with the FSSAI's commitment to improving food safety standards but also enhances consumer confidence in the food service sector. The integration of modern technology, like the Food Safety Connect app, is particularly notable for its potential to streamline consumer feedback processes and enable quick action by authorities.