India's food safety crisis, marked by contamination, adulteration, and weak regulation, demands urgent action to protect public health and restore trust
India's food safety landscape is under scrutiny as contamination scandals and regulatory gaps spark widespread concern. From pesticide-laden vegetables to adulterated milk and spices, the nation faces a deepening crisis that threatens public health and trust.
Recent incidents, like the 2024 controversy over ethylene oxide in packaged spices, exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains. Reports indicate that over 12% of tested food samples fail safety standards annually, with issues ranging from chemical residues to microbial contamination. Street food, a cultural staple, often falls prey to unhygienic practices, while packaged goods face risks from lax oversight and counterfeit products.
India's food safety crisis is a wake-up call. Collective action—government, industry, and citizens—can restore trust and ensure safe, wholesome food for all.