The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped up its focus on cold chain compliance, directing food business operators (FBOs) to maintain prescribed temperature conditions while handling, storing and transporting perishable food products, including khoa, paneer, meat and fish. The advisory, dated October 15, 2026, aims to strengthen food safety and protect public health by addressing gaps in temperature-controlled supply chains. The directive covers the entire supply chain, from procurement and sourcing to manufacturing, packing, storage, transportation, distribution and delivery to consumers. FSSAI has reiterated that maintaining appropriate temperatures throughout these stages is essential to prevent microbial growth, product deterioration and food contamination. Temperature Control and Hygiene Under Scrutiny According to the regulator, certain perishable food commodities are not consistently handled, stored or transported under suitable temperature conditions. Such lapses can accelerate spoilage and increase the risk of foodborne illness, making effective cold chain management a critical requirement for food businesses. Under the conditions of licence specified in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, operators must comply with prescribed temperature and hygiene requirements across the supply chain. The latest advisory reinforces these existing obligations rather than introducing an entirely new regulatory framework. FSSAI has also directed businesses to use clean, covered and hygienic vehicles suitable for transporting food products. Appropriate food-grade packaging and secondary packaging materials must be used, while products must be protected from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage and cross-contamination during storage, loading, unloading and transit. Gunny bags and unsuitable non-food-grade coverings must be avoided. Traceability and Enforcement Measures The advisory emphasises the importance of maintaining records and ensuring consignment traceability. Food business operators must keep relevant documentation, including invoices and other supporting records, and produce them before the competent authority whenever required. These measures are intended to improve accountability and help officials identify potential breaches in the handling and movement of perishable goods. FSSAI has called on food safety authorities across states and Union Territories to maintain strict vigilance through inspections and transportation checks. The regulator has warned that violations may invite appropriate enforcement action, including the seizure and destruction of non-compliant food products under applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and associated regulations. Implications for Food Supply Chains The advisory places renewed emphasis on reliable refrigeration, hygienic transport infrastructure and consistent temperature monitoring across India's food distribution network. Dairy processors, meat and fish suppliers, distributors, retailers, cold storage operators and logistics providers will need to ensure that their handling practices and transport arrangements meet the prescribed requirements. For the logistics sector, the directive reinforces the importance of strengthening refrigerated transport, improving storage practices and maintaining end-to-end visibility of temperature-sensitive consignments. These capabilities are particularly important during periods of heightened demand, when increased shipment volumes and multiple handling points can raise the risk of temperature deviations. By reinforcing existing compliance requirements, FSSAI aims to reduce spoilage risks and improve food safety from source to consumer. Effective implementation will depend on consistent monitoring, appropriate infrastructure and accountability among all participants in the perishable food supply chain. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!