Recent food safety incidents have led to an upsurge in regulatory scrutiny of India’s HORECA sector, underscoring the importance of partnering with an expert like ALS, a global leader in food safety testing and compliance with laboratories throughout India.

In one incident earlier this year, health inspectors discovered contaminated tea powder in a hotel at a popular coastal tourist destination. The inspection was part of a larger investigation of food safety practices in the city’s HORECA industry. Among the food service providers audited, nearly 60% were found to have violated food safety standards.

Similar HORECA industry inspections across India this year have identified violations that have led to fines, license suspensions, and even business closures.

“These audits highlight the critical importance of adhering to FSSAI regulations to avoid penalties, corrective mandates, and reputational damage,” said Arun Janakiraman, Managing Director, ALS in India.

Compliance is not optional

While license type and operational scale vary from region to region, FSSAI food safety licensing and registration is mandatory nationwide. Compliance with these regulations requires:

·       Submitting to audits as per the FSSAI’s Food Safety Auditing Regulations for high-risk and centrally licensed establishments, including regular inspections covering hygiene, food handling, storage and staff training

·       Water and food testing to meet IS 10500, conducted through NABL-accredited or FSSAI-recognized laboratories, covering raw materials, cooked foods, and potential contaminants including microbiological hazards, pesticides, heavy metals and adulterants

·       Staff training and certification mandated under FSSAI Training Regulations to help ensure proper handling and supervision

·       Maintenance of proper documentation including up-to-date licenses, audit records, SOPs, and testing records in line with best practices for safeguarding public health.

“The importance and complexity of compliance mean that ensuring food safety requires more than just understanding the regulatory environment,” Arun explained.

“Businesses can help protect the public and their interests by being proactive and partnering with us to handle every aspect of their food safety regulatory adherence.”

ALS – a partner you can trust to help navigate the regulatory road ahead

ALS has a strong track record of leadership in supporting its partners in food safety and regulatory adherence. The company’s NABL-accredited laboratories and FSSAI-recognized testing services help food businesses meet the stringent requirements of India’s Food Safety and Standards Act.

ALS’ professional support services for the HORECA industry include:

•                 Comprehensive testing of raw materials and cooked/prepared foods

•                 FSSAI compliance audits and documentation support

•                 Water quality testing and hygiene assessments

•                 Staff training and certification assistance

•                 Hygiene audits and third-party audit support.

By partnering with ALS to provide these services, establishments can proactively manage risks, align operations with national standards, and strengthen consumer trust.

“At ALS in India, we’re not just testing food products for our customers,” added Arun. “We are building trust across the supply chain. From lab bench to dining table, our approach aligns with India’s ambition for safe, transparent and resilient food systems."

To find out how ALS can help you get ahead of regulatory challenges, contact  alsin.sales@alsglobal.com / padma.priya@alsglobal.com