To provide a digital platform for public to report food safety and hygiene violations, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had launched the Food Safety Connect mobile application in 2021. However, despite introducing the app, the authority appears to have failed to establish an operational mechanism or issue guidelines for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, leaving its complaint redressal feature virtually unused for years. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’ on condition of anonymity, FDA officials said they have not received a single complaint through the application so far.

 

“We have not received any circular or operational guidelines from FSSAI on handling complaints generated through the application,” they said. Sources said the app was initially launched in 2021 to simplify licensing and registration services for Food Business Operators (FBOs) and provide food safety information. It was revamped and relaunched in July 2025 with a stronger focus on consumer empowerment by introducing digital grievance redressal, QR code-based licence verification, reporting of misleading claims on food products, food safety alerts and other citizen-centric services. Following the relaunch, FSSAI directed all FBOs, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, dhabas and eateries, to prominently display their FSSAI Licence or Registration Certificate carrying the Food Safety Connect QR code in customer-visible areas such as entrances, billing counters and seating spaces, in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

 

By scanning the QR code, consumers can download the app, verify whether an establishment holds a valid FSSAI licence or registration, access food safety alerts, product recalls, details of licensed food businesses and awareness material. According to FSSAI, complaints submitted through the app are automatically routed to the concerned jurisdictional authority for prompt action.

 

The development assumes significance as Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner, Maharashtra FDA, has intensified the crackdown on food adulteration and unhygienic food establishments through statewide inspection drives. Officials believe the app could significantly strengthen these efforts by encouraging greater public participation. However, until clear implementation protocols reach field authorities, consumers are likely to continue relying on conventional complaint channels, limiting effectiveness of FSSAI’s digital grievance platform.