India and Australia Unite for Safer Food Systems

On September 24, 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at FSSAI Headquarters in New Delhi. This agreement marks a major step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of food safety.

Key Objectives of the MoU
- Exchange of Best Practices: Sharing regulatory frameworks and food safety management strategies.
- Knowledge Sharing: Collaborative research and insights on food laws, standards, and risk assessments.
- Import Procedures: Streamlining and harmonizing food import/export protocols.
- Technical Collaboration: Joint training programs and institutional capacity building.
- Laboratory & Industry Support: Enhancing capabilities of food testing labs and food businesses.

Strategic Significance
- Reinforces the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Aligns with global efforts to contribute to Codex Alimentarius standards.
- Boosts consumer confidence, export competitiveness, and trade transparency.

Voices from the Signing
- Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI, emphasized India’s vast and diverse food sector and the need for modernization under initiatives like Eat Right India.
- Mr. Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary, DAFF, highlighted the MoU as a symbol of institutional trust and a platform to tackle emerging challenges like novel foods and climate-resilient agriculture.

This MoU isn’t just a technical agreement—it’s a shared commitment to global health security, sustainable trade, and safe food for all.