The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, has released a definitive list of Ayurvedic food preparations under the category “Ayurveda Aahara.” This follows the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations introduced in 2022, which recognise foods based on recipes, ingredients, and processes from classical Ayurvedic texts.
The newly released list, under Note (1) of Schedule B, draws from texts in Schedule A, ensuring authenticity and traditional relevance. This move brings clarity to Food Business Operators (FBOs) and enhances consumer confidence in Ayurveda-based nutrition. FBOs can also propose additions to Category A products with supporting references from authoritative Ayurvedic texts.
Ayurveda Aahara, rooted in one of the world’s oldest health systems, offers dietary solutions designed to balance nutrition, enhance immunity, and support digestive health. These products reflect India’s time-tested food wisdom, promoting preventive healthcare and sustainable living.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav urged citizens to embrace Ayurveda Aahara as a means to long-term wellness. He highlighted its role in strengthening immunity and maintaining health in today’s fast-paced world.
Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, described this as a milestone in aligning traditional knowledge with modern regulatory practices, empowering both businesses and consumers.
Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), emphasised the scientific and textual rigor applied in developing the Ayush Aahara Compendium, which will guide manufacturers and provide safe, authentic options to the public.
This initiative is seen as a significant step toward mainstreaming Ayurveda-based nutrition, enhancing regulatory clarity, and supporting public health through trusted, tradition-based dietary practices.
