Rajit Punhani has officially taken charge as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as of 1 September, 2025, a decision announced by the food regulator on social media. An accomplished IAS officer from the 1991 Bihar cadre, Punhani’s arrival comes at a crucial time as FSSAI prepares to roll out new food labeling regulations that mandate the disclosure of nutritional information, including total sugar, salt, and saturated fat content on packaged foods.
Punhani will make updated food labeling regulations a top priority, as these rules are currently under intense judicial and public scrutiny. The Supreme Court has ordered the government to finalize these regulations, extending FSSAI’s deadline from July 2025 to October for the submission of the expert committee’s report.
The implementation of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling (FOPNL) is a pressing policy issue. Public health advocates are unequivocal in their demand for transparent labeling to combat the alarming rise in health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Punhani is tasked with navigating the balance between public health imperatives and industry concerns regarding the new regulations.
With more than 30 years of diverse administrative experience, Punhani has held key positions including secretary for the Ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship, secretary of the Rajya Sabha, and CEO of Sansad TV. He possesses strong academic credentials, holding degrees in Economics (Honors) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and an MBA in Finance from IIM Bangalore. His previous role as Principal Secretary in the Government of Bihar and his expertise in labor and social security policy-making further bolster his qualifications for this pivotal role.
Punhani succeeds Ganji Kamala V Rao, and his appointment is crucial for effectively tackling significant food safety and regulatory challenges. His wealth of experience is set to enhance FSSAI’s capabilities in regulatory enforcement, testing, consumer awareness, and in addressing issues within India’s expansive informal food sector.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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