FSSAI gets involved in Indian culinary tradition

India’s food regulator is developing a recipe archive to preserve the country’s food heritage, as part of a number of initiatives that include setting up cuisine hubs and organising food festivals.

It is also considering recognising and promoting famous food streets across India, as long as they conform to food safety and hygiene regulations.

In partnership with Yes Bank, the FSSAI has consulted with public bodies, food businesses, celebrity chefs, food historians and bloggers, its chief executive said. 

"Local Indian food is among the best and most diverse in the world and there is a real need to promote and savour our rich culinary heritage, irrespective of any physical boundaries," said Pawan Agarwal. 

Among the regulator’s plans will be the creation of a systematic framework for the preservation and promotion of India's culinary heritage and cuisine culture. 

"We are developing a repository of Indian food cuisine; 200 recipes have been added so far in the repository," he said, adding that “Foodcast", a dedicated online portal, will be designed to house these recipes. 

The FSSAI will also create hubs and recognise famous food streets, as well as organising national food festivals and trails. 

These initiatives are part of its objective to promote food safety and hygiene, as well as providing wholesome food, Agarwal added.