FSSAI warns food businesses against false annual returns

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure complete accuracy in their annual return filings, cautioning that false or misleading information will attract strict penalties under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006.

"FSSAI reiterates that providing false or misleading information in Annual Returns will attract severe penalties under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006. FBOs urged to ensure absolute accuracy in all submissions. Compliance with requirements is paramount for safe food ecosystem," it posted on X.

#FSSAI reiterates that providing false or misleading information in Annual Returns will attract severe penalties under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006. FBOs urged to ensure absolute accuracy in all submissions. Compliance with requirements is paramount for safe food ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/bOw0lJVAwm

— FSSAI (@fssaiindia) July 13, 2025

In a communication dated July 7, FSSAI reiterated its warning to food safety departments across states and Union Territories, urging thorough scrutiny of annual returns and highlighting the legal consequences of inaccuracies.

Since the 2020-21 financial year, the submission of annual returns has been made mandatory through the online FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. The regulator noted that filing compliance has improved considerably since the digital transition.

These annual returns include critical production details and, in many cases, additional compliance-related data. FSSAI has directed all licensing authorities to verify the accuracy of submissions within their jurisdictions. If discrepancies, inconsistencies, or false declarations are found, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the provisions of the FSS Act.

To help FBOs rectify genuine errors, FSSAI introduced a revision facility on the FoSCoS platform in January 2024. This allows businesses to update their submissions within prescribed timelines and under a defined fee structure.

“All FBOs eligible for filing annual returns are reminded that accurate and complete information is mandatory. If any updates or corrections are needed, businesses are encouraged to use the revision facility promptly,” the FSSAI order stated.

The July 7 notice also stressed that any false or misleading information could result in penalties under Section 61 of the FSS Act.