EP-443 | FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani on Fake Paneer, Edible Oil, Misleading Labels & Quick Commerce

EP-443 | FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani on Fake Paneer, Edible Oil, Misleading Labels & Quick Commerce

Author: Asian News International (ANI) August 26, 2026 Duration: 1:21:44

IAS Rajit Punhani is the CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the organisation responsible for setting food-safety standards and regulating the country’s food industry.


In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Punhani explains what the FSSAI mark on a product actually means and why it does not mean that every product has been tested or certified by the regulator.


He addresses concerns surrounding fake paneer, misleading food labels, excessive sugar in packaged drinks and baby food, palm oil, synthetic colours, protein supplements and ultra-processed food.



Timestamps


0:00 – Introduction

1:29 – What FSSAI Logo Means

8:31 – Misleading Food Labels

14:14 – Drinks in Europe vs India

20:57 – Palm Oil Reality

25:27 – Sugar in Baby Food

30:04 – Indian Thali

32:54 – Nutrition Labels

37:05 – ‘Zero Sugar’ Meaning

39:36 – Food Industry Lobbying

42:54 – Fake Paneer and Food Adulteration

50:08 – Quick-Commerce Apps

53:58 – Dark Stores and Cloud Kitchens

58:17 – Street Food and Reused Cooking Oil

1:00:27 – Shortage of Food Safety Officers

1:04:16 – Food Recalls and Unsafe Products

1:08:10 – Protein Supplements

1:10:43 – Ultra-Processed Food

1:14:06 – Synthetic Colours in Food

1:16:53 – How Consumers Can File a Complaint

1:21:10 – Conclusion


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
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