Exclusive: The four law firms assisting FSSAI in its food safety action across India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has onboarded 4 additional law firms at a time when food safety authorities are conducting inspections and taking enforcement action against restaurants and food companies across India.

The 4 firms are SS Rana & Co, Singh & Associates, Suri & Co and GP Law Chambers. They join the existing panel comprising Chaudhary & Chaudhary, Sasttra Legal, Meharia & Company and Legacy Law. FSSAI will now have 8 law firms on its panel.

The mandate covers litigation, consumer disputes, legal advisory work, opinions, intellectual property and corporate matters. FSSAI is understood to be handling more than 800 cases across the country.

The empanelment comes against the backdrop of inspections by FSSAI and State food safety authorities at restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, warehouses and manufacturing units.

Recent inspections have resulted in notices, seizure or destruction of food products and suspension of licences over alleged non-compliance with food safety, hygiene, storage, packaging and labelling requirements.

In Bengaluru, food safety authorities recently inspected hotels, restaurants, government-run Indira Canteens and quick-commerce warehouses. Notices were issued and a warehouse was sealed over alleged violations relating to storage and food handling.

FSSAI also recently suspended the licences of two food manufacturing units in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra following inspections. The regulator said the inspections revealed pest infestation and deficiencies in hygiene and pest-control practices.

The regulator has also been involved in litigation concerning its enforcement and labelling decisions. The Delhi High Court recently stayed an FSSAI order prohibiting Dabur India from selling food products carrying claims such as “100% Pure” and “100% Natural”.