NITI Aayog Plans Farm-to-Fork Food Traceability System Across India

NITI Aayog is leading efforts to strengthen India's food safety framework through the introduction of a nationwide farm-to-fork traceability system aimed at monitoring food products from production to retail.

The proposed framework focuses on tracking food quality throughout the supply chain, with particular attention to chemical residues, adulteration and contamination. The move comes as India records nearly 100 million cases of food-borne illnesses annually, with estimates suggesting the figure could increase to between 150 million and 170 million by 2030 without systemic improvements.

For the hospitality and food service sector, the initiative signals stricter compliance requirements and increased scrutiny of sourcing, storage and supply chain practices.

Discussions chaired by NITI Aayog member M Srinivas have also focused on expanding the country's network of accredited food-testing laboratories. Authorities are evaluating greater use of independent third-party sampling and mobile testing units to conduct real-time inspections at markets and production centres.

The government is also assessing the role of cold-chain infrastructure and transportation systems in reducing food spoilage and contamination. Industry stakeholders may see increased emphasis on traceability, food testing and quality assurance as regulators move towards a more data-driven enforcement model.

Another proposal under consideration involves linking access to credit for food businesses with food safety compliance scores. If implemented, the model could encourage stronger adherence to safety standards across food manufacturing, distribution and hospitality operations.

Officials are also exploring the use of data analytics to identify food adulteration hotspots by analysing crop production, yield and pricing patterns, allowing inspections and enforcement activities to be targeted more effectively.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to improve food safety standards across the country while reducing the public health and economic impact associated with food-borne diseases. Hotels and food service operators, the proposed changes could lead to greater focus on supply chain transparency, compliance monitoring and food quality management.