Dr. Alka Rao delivers landmark keynote at CASMB’s “Prerna” Women Empowerment Summit & 6th Foundation Day in Mumbai — outlining sweeping reforms to ease compliance for food businesses across India. National Codex Contact Point conferred CASMB National Award.
Small and medium food business operators (MSMEs) will no longer need to renew their FSSAI licences — these licences will now remain valid for life. Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor (Science, Standards & Regulations), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and National Codex Contact Point and SPS Enquiry Point for Food Safety for India, made this historic announcement at the “Prerna” Women Empowerment Summit and 6th Foundation Day of the Chamber for Advancement and Support of MSMEs and Businesses (CASMB), held in Mumbai.
This landmark decision is part of a comprehensive regulatory reform drive aimed at significantly reducing the compliance burden on MSMEs — encompassing revised turnover thresholds, removal of dual compliance requirements, and the introduction of a risk-based inspection system.
Dr. Alka Rao delivered a clear, in-depth, and forward-looking address on food processing industry policy. The MSME entrepreneurs present at the event returned home reassured and energised about the new regulatory framework taking shape under FSSAI’s leadership.
“These measures mark a decisive move towards trust-based governance, simplified compliance, and regulatory facilitation — enabling MSMEs to focus on growth, innovation, and delivering safe food to consumers.”
— Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor, FSSAI | National Codex Contact Point for India
Regulatory Reforms for MSMEs — A New Chapter
Under the leadership of Shri Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, and the guidance of Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Chairperson, FSSAI and Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Authority is moving swiftly towards greater ease of doing business. Dr. Rao announced the following key reforms:
Special Facilitative Measures for Startups & MSMEs
To strengthen regulatory transparency and enhance industry engagement, FSSAI has launched several targeted initiatives for startups and MSMEs:
- 🤝Weekly Interactive Meetings with Food Business Operators (FBOs)Particularly for startups and small businesses — real-time guidance and rapid resolution of regulatory queries.
- 📋Weekly-Updated Transparent Approval TrackerFor non-specified foods — ensuring predictability and accountability in product approvals.
- 💬Regular Stakeholder ConsultationsFostering collaborative dialogue between FSSAI and the food industry — significantly improving ease of doing business.
- ♻️Recycled PET (rPET) Approved for Food Contact UseSupporting industry efforts in meeting plastic reuse and sustainability targets aligned with national goals.
FSSAI National Codex Contact Point Honoured
In recognition of its sustained contribution to strengthening industry engagement and promoting regulatory awareness among MSMEs, the FSSAI National Codex Contact Point (NCC) was conferred the CASMB National Award for Support to MSMEs at the event — a fitting recognition of its role in bridging regulatory knowledge and industry practice.
Dr. Rao also praised CASMB for building a strong and inclusive platform for small entrepreneurs, acknowledging the organisation’s sustained commitment to MSME support and capacity building across Maharashtra and India.
The industry representatives present gave her address an enthusiastic reception, with the MSME community leaving the event with renewed confidence in FSSAI’s evolving and enabling regulatory environment.
About the Organisations
About CASMB
The Chamber for Advancement and Support of MSMEs and Businesses (CASMB) is a premier industry body dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, industry collaboration, and capacity building across Maharashtra and India. With a strong focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting the MSME sector, CASMB serves as a bridge between business, policy, and society.
About F2F Corporate Consultants
F2F Corporate Consultants Pvt. Ltd. is a Mumbai-based strategic communications, PR, and trade facilitation firm offering end-to-end solutions for corporates, industry bodies, and government institutions. The firm specialises in agribusiness, MSME development, and public policy communication.