The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, May 21 2025. India’s food regulator on Tuesday drew attention to the increasing consumption of processed food, while highlighting that food-processing companies have the responsibility of ensuring that packaged food contains the right nutrients.

At the same time, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a statement on Tuesday directing all states and Union Territories to intensify inspections and conduct special enforcement drives to curb the illegal use of non-permitted fruit ripening agents, as well as the colouring and coating of fruit with synthetic colours or non-permitted wax. The move is part of the regulator’s ongoing efforts to ensure safe food for consumers, a report by Akshara Srivastava in the Business Standard said.

“We have not defined ultra-processed food in India, and any food can be classified as healthy or unhealthy depending on the amount of consumption. It is a great social responsibility of the industry to ensure that you pack your food with micronutrients and use appropriate sources of protein and fats,” said G Kamala Vardhana Rao, chief executive officer at FSSAI, while speaking at the 16th edition of FICCI Foodworld India.

“I am thankful to the industry that it is focusing on that, along with responding promptly to guidelines on misleading advertisements,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hemant Malik, Chair of the FICCI food processing committee and executive director at ITC, said that among the broad consumer trends shaping the sector is health and wellness, especially products addressing challenges like protein deficiency and gut wellness.

Malik further expressed industry concerns about the labelling debate, advocating for serving-size-based front-of-pack nutrition information rather than per-100-gram measurements.

“The most consumption of packaged food is in small sizes,” he said, while cautioning against broadly categorising packaged food as “ultra-processed”, citing examples such as soy nuggets, which provide affordable protein despite being processed products.

At the event, Deloitte and FICCI together launched a report shedding light on the sector’s contribution, accounting for roughly 7.7 per cent of India’s total manufacturing gross value added.

According to the report titled Spurring Growth: Driving Innovation and Unlocking Opportunities in the Indian Food Processing Sector, the sector is valued at $160 billion and represents nearly 30% of the national food market.

The Business Factors News Desk 

New Delhi, May 7, 2025. The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday extended its ongoing campaign to help food business operators (FBOs) register and get licenses under the current food safety laws. The deadline has now been pushed to May 31 (2025), with officials making it clear that no food business - be it a street vendor or a restaurant - will be allowed to operate without the certification.

According to a report by Manikant Mishra in the Business Standard, officials have also issued a warning that any food business found operating without a proper licence after the deadline passes will face strict action.

"District-level food safety officers have been instructed to conduct special camps to facilitate on-the-spot registration and licensing for food vendors and restaurant owners. Strict orders have been given to ensure that no food establishment operates without valid documentation," a government statement read.

The initiative is aimed at covering all types of food-related businesses - from street vendors and small eateries to large restaurants and food processing units - under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The main objective of the drive is to ensure safe and hygienic food, while also putting a stop to unregulated or illegal food operations.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued clear directions that no food business should be allowed to run outside the legal framework. However, the government also acknowledged that "Despite legal requirements, many small and large food operators are yet to comply with licensing norms."

"The campaign is not only about compliance but also public health. Unlicensed food businesses pose risks to consumers and violate legal provisions. Therefore, authorities are ensuring full coverage, from roadside vendors and dhabas to premium restaurants under the drive," the government emphasised.

To support the campaign, the FSDA has launched extensive outreach efforts in all districts. This includes registration camps and mobile food safety teams to guide and help businesses through the licensing process. So far, thousands of food businesses have registered during this drive, with many more expected to do so before the new deadline expires.

The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, March 11 2025: India’s food regulator FSSAI, has asked states to step up surveillance on dairy analogues in March, keeping in view the ongoing festive season.

As per the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 'Dairy Analogues' are products where non-milk constituents replace milk components partially or entirely but resemble milk or milk products in appearance, texture, and functionality. Dairy Analogues are not considered milk, milk products, or composite milk products.
When standardised milk products are compositionally altered by replacing major milk constituents like milk fat or milk protein with vegetable oil, fat, or protein, the resulting product is classified as an Analogue.

"The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to step up surveillance on Dairy Analogues throughout March, keeping in view the ongoing festive season," a statement said on Tuesday.

The government is set to examine concerns over quick commerce companies potentially undermining businesses of local kirana stores, particularly in the context of the draft Digital Competition Bill, according to official sources.

This measure aims to prevent food adulteration and mislabelling during the period of increased demand, it added. This is in continuation with the ongoing product-specific monthly surveillance drives of FSSAI to tackle food adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

"Keeping in view the increased consumption of dairy products during the festive season, the ongoing surveillance will remain focused on Dairy Analogue this month," FSSAI said.

Given the ongoing concerns about the standards and labelling of Dairy Analogue products, as well as their misrepresentation as dairy products, FSSAI has directed all State authorities to conduct rigorous testing and label examinations to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent consumer deception.

The Business Factors News Desk

New Delhi, May 22, 2025: India’s food processing sector is on a transformative growth path, and with consumption trends aligning across urban and rural India, tier 2 and 3 cities are fast becoming the engines of economic growth, according to a new report.

The sector supports over 7 million jobs across the value chain, directly and indirectly, while enabling rural industrialisation and reducing post-harvest losses.

According to the report by Deloitte and FICCI, the sector accounts for approximately 7.7 per cent of India’s total manufacturing GVA (gross value added), and its a critical role in generating employment, fostering rural development and enhancing value addition.

TRENDING NOW

The agriculture and food processing sector, representing nearly 30 per cent of the national food market, is gaining momentum due to rising rural demand, digital advancements and strong policy support.

“India’s agri and food processing sector is on the brink of a transformative leap, where tradition meets cutting-edge technology to build a future-ready food ecosystem. Consumer demand is shifting towards clean-label, protein-rich and gut-friendly foods, driving a structural evolution in how India consumes food,” said Anand Ramanathan, Partner and Consumer Industry Leader, Deloitte South Asia.

India is poised to lead the global narrative on health-driven, tech-enabled and inclusive food systems, fuelled by advancements in AI, IoT and blockchain.

The opportunity before us is not just to feed a billion, but to do so with purpose, resilience and intelligence, he added. 
“India's food processing sector holds immense transformative potential, both as a driver of economic growth and as a catalyst for inclusive development. As evolving consumer preferences and health-conscious choices reshape food systems, the need for resilience, innovation and value addition has never been greater,” said Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI.
In addition, India’s record agricultural exports of $48.2 billion in FY24 and the global recognition of GI-tagged products highlight the sector’s export potential and its growing role in the world food economy.

Source: IANS report on Zee News 

The Business Factors News Desk

National, July 06, 2025: The popular adage, 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away,' reflects the numerous health benefits associated with this humble fruit. An excellent source of essential nutrients and fibre, apples help support digestive health in multiple ways. But between the two kinds of apples widely available in the market - red and green -- which one is better for gut health? Let's find out.

According to Deepalakshmi, registered dietician at Shree Balaji Medical Centre, Chennai, the key differences lie in their sugar content, antioxidant levels, and the types of fibre they offer, which influence their impact on overall health and gut function.

Green Apples

"Green apples, such as Granny Smith, are known for their tartness and are lower in natural sugars compared to their red counterparts. This makes them particularly suitable for individuals managing blood sugar levels, as they have a lower glycaemic index," said Deepalakshmi. Green apples are slightly higher in dietary fibre, especially pectin, a soluble fibre that helps regulate bowel movements, fosters the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and supports gut health by enhancing intestinal microbiota diversity.

She added that they also contain polyphenols, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to a healthier gut by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Red Apples

According to her, red apples, such as Red Delicious and Fuji, are sweeter and have a higher concentration of anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants found in their skin. These antioxidants help protect the gut from oxidative damage, support heart health, and can also reduce inflammation, benefiting overall gut health.

"Though red apples contain slightly less fibre than green apples, they still provide an excellent amount of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive tract," she added.
Red vs Green: Which is better?

While both red and green apples are beneficial for gut health, Deepalakshmi said that green apples may have a slight edge due to their lower sugar content and higher fibre levels, particularly in promoting gut health in individuals looking to manage weight or improve blood sugar control.

She added that consuming apples with the peel is essential, as most of the fibre, polyphenols, and antioxidants are concentrated in this part of the fruit. For optimal benefits, Deepalakshmi recommends incorporating apples into a balanced diet, focusing on whole, minimally processed foods rich in fibre and antioxidants.

Source: The Indian Express Lifestyle Desk

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

The Business Factors News Desk

Ahmedabad, May23, 2025: There are many types of fruits available in the market in the summer; one of them is litchi, a fruit wonderful in taste. The most special thing is that this fruit comes in the market only for one month and people like it so much that they eat more than required. So let's know in this article what can be the disadvantages of eating too much litchi.

Litchi, a fruit available in summer, tastes amazing. That is why people of all ages like it a lot. Apart from the great taste, it is also full of nutrients. Sweet fruits like litchi contain many elements including vitamin C, potassium, copper, fiber and antioxidants. However, it is more of a favourite among children than adults. There is a myth among Indians that fruits are a boon for health in every way, but this is not necessary. While litchi has its benefits, it also has many disadvantages. It has been seen that people eat more litchi for the sake of taste.

Children wait for summer only because of litchi. Litchi is one of their favourite fruits. That is why while eating it, they often forget how many litchis they have eaten at one time. So let us know that eating it in excess can be harmful. However, litchi contains about 82 per cent water, due to which it reduces the problem of dehydration. Litchi should always be eaten after soaking it in water. Otherwise, it can harm your health.

Eating too much litchi can increase obesity

Although litchi contains many nutrients like fiber and sodium, it has a high sugar level, due to which, if it is eaten in excess, it increases stomach fat and then becomes the cause of obesity.

In case of allergy

If you are already allergic then avoid eating litchi. Because in such a situation eating litchi can cause skin rashes and itching. Experts say that if there is any change in the skin after eating it, then treatment should be done immediately and expert advice should be taken before eating it.

People with low blood pressure should not eat too many litchis

According to reports, if someone is a patient of low blood pressure, then he should avoid eating litchi. Such people should eat only 4-5 litchis a day on the advice of experts. Eating too many litchis can lower your blood pressure.
The digestive system may be bad

Although litchi has many benefits, eating too much litchi can be harmful for your health. Eating litchi in excess can cause stomach problems like constipation, acidity and indigestion, which can weaken the digestive system.

Take these precautions while eating litchi

Before eating litchi, it should be soaked in water for 2-3 hours. This cools down the effect of litchi to some extent and it does not harm health. One should not eat more than 10 to 12 litchis in a day.

Source: Newspoint 

The Business Factors News Desk

Mohali, May 22, 2025: Kulfi is one of the most loved Indian desserts during the summer season. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also helps keep us cool in the scorching heat.

Whether it's traditional flavours or exotic ones like nuts and saffron, we love kulfi in all its forms. But have you ever tried kulfi mashed with gulab jamun? Yes, you heard that right.

Recently, we stumbled upon a video featuring a street vendor in Mohali, Punjab. The video, shared by @youtubeswadofficial, opens with the vendor cutting frozen kulfis into bite-sized pieces. Then, he takes piping hot gulab jamuns out of the sugar syrup, adds two pieces to each kulfi plate and serves it to the customers.

The video went viral on Instagram in no time. The unique combination of hot and cold desserts impressed some viewers, while others claimed it was too sweet a dish to eat.

One user said, "Hot gulab jamun with kulfi - great combination." Another added, "I'll have them separately; I love hot gulab jamun." Someone interjected, saying, "Cold and then hot, it will cause digestion problems." "It can cause kidney failure by eating hot and cold at the same time," read a comment.

A foodie said, "Vanilla plain ice cream with gulab jamun is the best combination ever." A viewer recalled, "This uncle also sells ice cream, milk, gulab jamun, and everything is pure. When I used to live in Mohali, I went here many times." 
"This looks so amazing, man; I would love to try this," remarked a user.

Source: NDTV 

New Delhi, May 22, 2025: India’s food processing sector is on a transformative growth path, and with consumption trends aligning across urban and rural India, tier 2 and 3 cities are fast becoming the engines of economic growth, according to a new report. 

The sector supports over 7 million jobs across the value chain, directly and indirectly, while enabling rural industrialisation and reducing post-harvest losses.

According to the report by Deloitte and FICCI, the sector accounts for approximately 7.7 per cent of India’s total manufacturing GVA (gross value added), and its critical role in generating employment, fostering rural development and enhancing value addition.

TRENDING NOW
The agriculture and food processing sector, representing nearly 30 per cent of the national food market, is gaining momentum due to rising rural demand, digital advancements and strong policy support.

“India’s agri and food processing sector is on the brink of a transformative leap, where tradition meets cutting-edge technology to build a future-ready food ecosystem. Consumer demand is shifting towards clean-label, protein-rich and gut-friendly foods, driving a structural evolution in how India consumes food,” said Anand Ramanathan, Partner and Consumer Industry Leader, Deloitte South Asia.

India is poised to lead the global narrative on health-driven, tech-enabled and inclusive food systems, fuelled by advancements in AI, IoT and blockchain.

The opportunity before us is not just to feed a billion, but to do so with purpose, resilience and intelligence, he added. 
“India's food processing sector holds immense transformative potential, both as a driver of economic growth and as a catalyst for inclusive development. As evolving consumer preferences and health-conscious choices reshape food systems, the need for resilience, innovation and value addition has never been greater,” said Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI.

In addition, India’s record agricultural exports of $48.2 billion in FY24 and the global recognition of GI-tagged products highlight the sector’s export potential and its growing role in the world food economy.

Source: IANS report on Zee News 

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

I never look at other people’s work. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass.

I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

I never look at other people’s work. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass.

I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.

Fashion fosters cliches of beauty, but I want to tear them apart. Every day I’m thinking about change. The only way to do something in depth is to work hard. For me, art is about learning. I’ve always tried to push myself technically and to push myself visually. That’s been part of the journey. I adore the challenge of creating truly modern clothes, where a woman’s personality and sense of self are revealed.

I never look at other people’s work. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass.

I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

I never look at other people’s work. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass.

I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.