FSSAI Signs MoU with Australia’s DAFF to Strengthen Food Safety Cooperation

India and Australia Join Hands to Enhance Food Safety

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the field of food safety. The agreement, inked on 24 September 2025 in New Delhi, marks a new chapter in bilateral collaboration aimed at improving standards, sharing best practices, and enhancing technical expertise.

Key Details of the MoU

• Date & Venue: 24 September 2025, FSSAI Headquarters, New Delhi

• Signatories: Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI, and Mr. Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary, DAFF

• Objective: Strengthen food safety cooperation, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange between India and Australia

Focus Areas of Collaboration

Exchange of Best Practices

The MoU enables both countries to share successful strategies in food safety management, regulatory frameworks, and compliance mechanisms.

Knowledge Sharing and Technical Support

India and Australia will collaborate on import procedures, laboratory testing, and risk assessment models to ensure higher quality standards.

Capacity Building Initiatives

Joint training programs, workshops, and skill-development initiatives will be introduced to build institutional capacity in food safety.

Significance of the Agreement

The agreement highlights the growing India-Australia partnership in food security and safety. By working together, the two nations aim to strengthen consumer trust, harmonize food standards, and support safe trade practices.

Future Outlook

Both sides expressed confidence that this MoU will serve as a foundation for deeper institutional collaboration and help advance global food safety standards. The partnership is expected to open avenues for innovation, research, and regulatory alignment between India and Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the MoU between FSSAI and DAFF?
The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in food safety through knowledge sharing, best practices, and capacity-building initiatives between India and Australia.

Q2. When and where was the MoU signed?
It was signed on 24 September 2025 at the FSSAI Headquarters in New Delhi.

Q3. Who signed the MoU on behalf of India and Australia?
Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI, signed on behalf of India, while Mr. Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary, DAFF, signed on behalf of Australia.

Q4. How will this agreement benefit India?
India will gain access to Australia’s expertise in food safety standards, risk management, and import procedures, helping improve its own regulatory framework.

Q5. What does this MoU mean for consumers?
For consumers, it ensures safer food products, better quality standards, and stronger safeguards in both domestic and imported foods.