FSSAI Directs Strict Temperature Control for Perishable Foods in Storage and Transport; Railways Brought into Enforcement

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory directing food businesses to handle, store and transport perishable food under controlled temperature conditions. The advisory is dated 15 October 2026 and was issued by the Regulatory Compliance Division. It names khoa, paneer, meat and fish as examples of products that are at times not kept at appropriate temperatures.

Why FSSAI acted

The regulator said it had been told that such products are sometimes not handled, stored or transported under proper temperature conditions. These items are highly prone to microbial growth and spoilage. Under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, food businesses must hold the prescribed temperature across the supply chain. That covers chilling, transport, storage and distribution, from sourcing to delivery to the end consumer. FSSAI said temperature abuse can harm food safety and public health, and counts as non-compliance with the hygiene and sanitary requirements.

What food businesses must do

All food business operators involved in manufacturing, packing, storage, transport, distribution and sale of these products must follow five directions:

• Transport only in clean, covered and hygienic vehicles or conveyances suitable for food.
• Maintain the prescribed temperature throughout storage and transport.
• Use only food-grade packaging and suitable secondary packaging. Gunny bags and other non-food-grade coverings that could compromise safety should be avoided.
• Protect products from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage and cross-contamination during storage, loading, unloading and transport.
• Keep records and traceability of consignments, and produce invoices or other documents when the competent authority asks.

Enforcement

FSSAI has asked Commissioners of Food Safety of all States and Union Territories, Indian Railways and its own Regional Directors to direct licensing authorities and Food Safety Officers to stay vigilant during inspections and transport checks. Where operators do not comply, action can include seizure and destruction under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations made under it. The advisory is addressed to all food business operators, State and UT Commissioners, the Railway Board and FSSAI Regional Directors. It is signed by Dr Amit Sharma, Executive Director (Compliance Strategy).

Why it matters for logistics

The advisory puts temperature compliance squarely on the transport and storage links of the chain. That affects reefer trucking, cold storage, refrigerated rail wagons and containers, and parcel and courier operators that carry chilled food. The reference to the Railway Board and Indian Railways suggests checks could extend to food moving by rail. Logistics operators may need to show temperature logs, vehicle suitability and consignment records on demand. The advisory does not specify temperature ranges or inspection timelines, which remain tied to the existing Schedule 4 conditions.