Distrust Forces Indians to Process Food at Home

Amidst growing concerns over food safety, many Indian families are now processing food in their own kitchens. This includes grinding spices, making paneer, and buying grains directly from farms, driven by a significant distrust in market-available products. Government data from 2022 to 2025 revealed that approximately one in six food samples failed safety standards, leading to over 1,100 food business licenses being cancelled.

Experts attribute these failures to issues ranging from poor hygiene and labeling to severe contamination and adulteration. Recent incidents include the seizure of thousands of kilograms of adulterated tea powder. While India has modern food safety laws and a regulatory body, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), enforcement remains a challenge.

The vast informal food economy, particularly the sale of loose products like oil, flour, and spices, makes tracing unsafe goods nearly impossible. Furthermore, the testing system is often circumvented, with businesses sometimes ensuring only tested batches meet standards. This situation leads consumers to opt for pricier, trusted brands or premium services for peace of mind.