In August 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced new regulations for food businesses. These rules require all food outlets, including restaurants, cafes, and street vendors, to display their FSSAI license and a QR code linked to the Food Safety Connect App. This initiative aims to improve food safety and empower consumers.
The FSSAI has mandated that the license and QR code be placed in visible areas like entrances, billing counters, or dining areas. By scanning the QR code with their smartphones, customers can access information about the business’s registration details and report any food safety issues. This is a crucial step towards enhancing public health measures in India.
The Food Safety Connect App allows users to report hygiene problems and check if a food outlet is properly licensed. It also provides updates on food safety alerts and initiatives from the FSSAI. Complaints submitted through the app are forwarded to local authorities for prompt action.
The FSSAI believes this move will help reduce delays in addressing consumer concerns and ensure accountability in the food industry. In a statement, the authority said, “This measure is aimed at empowering consumers by providing them with a direct and user-friendly platform for grievance redressal.”
Additionally, food businesses must also display the QR code on their digital platforms, such as websites and food delivery apps. This ensures that consumers can verify details or file complaints even when ordering food online.
The new rules come after the FSSAI noticed an increase in food safety violations and consumer complaints regarding hygiene and misleading labels. By implementing these regulations, the FSSAI hopes to build consumer trust and promote transparency in the food sector.
Food safety experts have welcomed this initiative, stating it is a much-needed reform for India’s fast-evolving food landscape. They encourage consumers to regularly scan the QR code and report any issues they encounter.
For food business operators, it is vital to educate staff and customers about the new requirements. Keeping the license and QR code up to date is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain a good reputation. Experts suggest conducting regular kitchen audits and training staff on hygiene protocols.
The introduction of digital QR code reporting is a significant shift in food regulation. It encourages transparent operations and timely actions on consumer complaints. By simplifying the process for reporting issues, the FSSAI aims to enhance food safety and protect public health.
The Food Safety Connect App is available on both Android and iOS, making it accessible to a wide audience. The FSSAI encourages all stakeholders in the food sector to view this initiative as a collective mission to ensure safe eating practices. With robust reporting tools and strict accountability measures, consumers can now demand safer food and fair practices more effectively. This initiative signifies a step forward in making the food industry in India safer and more transparent for everyone.