FSSAI Strengthens Consumer Grievance Redressal Through State Food Safety Commissioners and Food Safety Connect App
Food safety is a shared responsibility, and consumer participation plays a vital role in ensuring that unsafe or substandard food does not reach the public. To make complaint registration faster and more effective, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has encouraged consumers to contact their respective State Food Safety Commissioners or use the Food Safety Connect platform for grievance redressal.
Citizens facing issues such as adulterated food, expired products, unhygienic food establishments, misleading labels, or food safety violations can directly approach their State Food Safety Commissioner for prompt action. FSSAI has provided an online directory of commissioners across all states and Union Territories, enabling consumers to identify the appropriate authority without unnecessary delays.
As an alternative, consumers can lodge complaints through the Food Safety Connect mobile application, which has been developed to simplify the reporting process. The app allows users to submit complaints against packaged food products, restaurants, food premises, and online food delivery platforms. Users can also upload supporting photographs, invoices, or other evidence, making investigations more efficient.
Once a complaint is submitted, the system generates a unique reference number that enables consumers to track the progress of their grievance online. According to FSSAI’s grievance mechanism, complaints are initially forwarded to the concerned food business for a response while simultaneously informing the relevant State Food Safety Commissioner. If the response remains unsatisfactory, the complaint can be escalated for further regulatory action by the state authority.
The Food Safety Connect platform also enables consumers to verify the authenticity of FSSAI licences and registrations of food businesses, helping people make informed purchasing decisions. This additional feature strengthens transparency and encourages compliance among food business operators.
Consumer awareness has become increasingly important as India’s food supply chain continues to expand through restaurants, packaged food manufacturers, and online delivery services. A responsive grievance system not only protects individual consumers but also helps regulatory authorities identify recurring violations and improve overall food safety standards across the country.
FSSAI advises consumers to preserve relevant evidence, including purchase bills, photographs, videos, and product packaging whenever they encounter a food safety issue. Such documentation significantly strengthens the complaint and assists authorities in conducting timely inspections and investigations.
By providing multiple channels for complaint registration—including State Food Safety Commissioners and the Food Safety Connect app—FSSAI aims to create a transparent, accessible, and consumer-friendly grievance redressal system. Public participation through timely reporting of food safety violations remains one of the most effective tools for improving food quality and protecting public health across India.
