New Delhi, July 24 -- Nearly one in every five food samples tested across the country during 2025-26 failed to meet food safety standards, with 40,023 samples found "non-conforming" out of 2,23,808 analysed, as the government also stepped up enforcement with a record 5.2 lakh inspections of food businesses during the year.

The figures were disclosed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in separate written replies to unstarred questions in the Lok Sabha on food adulteration.

The ministry said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), along with State and Union Territory food safety authorities, conducted 5,20,566 inspections during 2025-26, up from 4,01,391 in 2024-25 and 3,57,072 in 2023-24, indicating a signific...