The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has launched a dedicated licensing and registration window for Ayurveda Aahara products on its Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. This initiative allows manufacturers across India to apply for licenses to produce and market traditional Ayurvedic foods seamlessly.

The new 'Kind of Business' (KoB) framework for Ayurveda Aahara aims to formalize and streamline the sector by aligning traditional recipes with contemporary food safety and quality standards. This move is expected to boost both the food and Ayurveda industries by creating a regulated pathway for these products to reach the market. The regulation is rooted in the Ayurvedic principle of personalized nutrition, which tailors diet to an individual's specific constitution (prakriti). By standardizing traditional formulations, the FSSAI measure will support the growth of the food and Ayurveda industries. The availability of authentic and regulated Ayurveda Aahara will also serve as a critical support for prescribed Ayurvedic treatment plans.

FSSAI has already published a list of 91 approved Ayurveda Aahara recipes via an order dated 25th July 2025, to facilitate a smooth transition for the industry. This provides Food Business Operators with a clear, pre-approved reference for manufacturing products under this new category, ensuring both authenticity and regulatory compliance. This initiative, developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, reflects the Government of India's commitment to integrating the profound wisdom of Ayurveda with modern food safety practices, thereby benefiting both industry stakeholders and public health.

According to FSSAI, Ayurveda Aahara refers to food products developed using ingredients, recipes, or preparation methods from classical Ayurvedic texts. These are food items that support wellness in line with Ayurvedic principles, but they are not medicinal products. Specifically, Ayurveda Aahara does not include Ayurvedic drugs or proprietary medicines, cosmetics, narcotics, or psychotropic substances, metal-based preparations, herbs listed under Schedule E-1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, or any restricted ingredients as notified by FSSAI.

With consumer interest rising in traditional and natural products, FSSAI has recognized the need for a specialized regulatory framework. The introduction of this category helps legalize, standardize, and promote Ayurveda-based food products in the Indian and global markets.

Key details of the new business category are as follows: * Category Name: Ayurveda Aahara (under “Manufacturer” group) * Type of License: Only Central License applicable * Annual Fee: ₹7,500 + GST * Inspection Requirements: Same as standard manufacturers * Documentation: 10 documents (per FSSAI order dated 19.03.2021) + state-specific requirements

FSSAI classifies products into sub-categories. With the introduction of a dedicated licensing category for Ayurveda Aahara, FSSAI aims to promote traditional dietary wisdom while ensuring food safety and regulatory clarity. This move opens up new opportunities for food entrepreneurs in the wellness and Ayurveda sectors.