India, Australia sign MoU to strengthen food safety cooperation
Both sides expressed confidence that these steps will advance food safety governance while also supporting smoother trade in agricultural and food products.
INDIA – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in food safety.
The agreement was formalised on September 24 at FSSAI Headquarters in New Delhi, with Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI, and Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary of DAFF, signing on behalf of their respective organisations.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between India and Australia. It underscores the shared commitment of both nations to ensuring food safety and protecting consumer interests.
By expanding collaboration, the two countries aim to raise food safety standards, improve compliance systems, and encourage innovation across their food sectors.
According to official statements, the agreement will cover multiple areas of cooperation, including the exchange of best practices, knowledge sharing on regulatory frameworks, and technical collaboration in import procedures.
Capacity-building initiatives such as joint training programs and workshops are also planned, designed to strengthen institutional expertise in food safety management.
Both sides expressed confidence that these steps will advance food safety governance while also supporting smoother trade in agricultural and food products.
The MoU is expected to provide tangible benefits to both industry stakeholders and consumers.
Enhanced cooperation on risk assessment, laboratory testing, and regulatory standards will help ensure that food products meet consistent levels of quality and safety.
These initiatives are also aligned with India’s broader goal of modernising its food systems and supporting sustainable practices across the supply chain.
The FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, plays a central role in regulating food safety in the country.
It is responsible for laying down science-based standards for food products and ensuring the manufacture, distribution, sale, and import of safe food.
This latest agreement with Australia adds to FSSAI’s international partnerships, reinforcing India’s position in the global food safety network.
The development follows closely on another major initiative launched by FSSAI, introducing a dedicated licensing and registration window for Ayurveda Aahara products on its Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal.
That framework creates a separate “Kind of Business” category for Ayurvedic foods, aligning traditional recipes with modern food safety standards and boosting opportunities for the Ayurveda and food industries.
Together, these measures highlight India’s ongoing efforts to integrate tradition with science, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and build international partnerships.
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