India’s Food Safety Authority Reports Over 40,000 Failed Samples in FY 2025‑26

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) told Parliament that 223,808 food samples were tested in fiscal year 2025‑26, of which 40,023 were found non‑conforming. The violations triggered 1,918 criminal convictions and 31,878 civil penalties. The data cover a wide range of products, including beverages and caffeinated drinks.

Officials said the gap between detected violations and convictions highlights the need for stronger monitoring, faster case resolution and expanded testing infrastructure. Ongoing measures include mobile food‑testing laboratories, rapid‑analysis kits, public awareness campaigns such as “#NoToAdulteration”, and stricter enforcement of labelling regulations.

The government emphasized that improving surveillance, increasing laboratory capacity and enhancing coordination among state and Union Territory authorities are essential to protect public health and restore consumer confidence in the food supply chain.