Do you often eat out? FSSAI has strictly prohibited the use of rusty and broken knives in the kitchens of hotels, restaurants, and eateries. Learn about this new health rule and FSSAI's advisory.

FSSAI New Rules 2026

Eating out has become an integral part of our lives these days. Whether it's a weekend, a holiday, or just a tired after-work meal, we often head out with family or friends to a hotel, restaurant, or dhaba. When we visit a restaurant, we're delighted by the decor, the air conditioning, and the clean tables. Have you ever wondered how clean the kitchen is where your food is being prepared?

Recently, India's food safety agency, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), made a revelation that will surprise you. This news is very important for those who frequently eat outside food.

The hidden truth behind the kitchen

The FSSAI team inspected several hotels, restaurants, and food stalls across the country. This investigation revealed a disturbing finding. Officials found that in many places, knives and blades were being used for cooking and cutting vegetables that were completely damaged. Knives were found rusted in the kitchens. Many knives were broken in the middle, their edges were worn, and the paint on some knife handles was peeling off and falling into the food. When this situation was observed in the kitchens of the outwardly gleaming hotels, the Food Department immediately swung into action.

Strict advisory issued on June 15, 2026

In light of this serious negligence, FSSAI issued a strict advisory to all food businesses across the country on June 15, 2026. The department has made it clear that any kind of tampering with public health will not be tolerated.

What is the danger of a rusty and broken knife?

You might wonder, what difference does it make if a little rust or a broken knife? According to science and doctors, this poses a significant threat to your health.

• Rust enters the stomach: When vegetables or meat are cut with a rusty knife, tiny particles of iron rust get into the food. When this food enters our stomach, it can cause stomach infections, pain, and many serious illnesses.
• A breeding ground for bacteria: Knives that are broken or cracked can trap small pieces of food in these cracks. No matter how much you wash them, they're never completely clean. These cracks can harbor harmful bacteria, which can then be transferred to new food every time you cut them. This can lead to food poisoning.
• Chemical hazards: Knives with poor quality paint or coating can peel off over time. This paint is made of chemicals that can be directly transferred into your body through your salad or vegetables.

New and strict rules of FSSAI

To eliminate this danger forever, FSSAI has given some strict instructions to all dhaba and restaurant owners, which have now become mandatory to follow.

• Use of only food-grade knives: Now, only high-quality (food-grade) and rust-resistant stainless steel knives will be used in the kitchen.
• Throw away damaged knives immediately: If any knife is even slightly rusted, its handle is broken or its edge is cracked, then it must be thrown out of the kitchen immediately.
• Regular cleaning is essential: All cutting tools and knives must be thoroughly washed and cleaned after each use. They should be stored away from moisture.

If the rules are broken, strict action will be taken.

FSSAI has ordered food safety officers in all states to not only check utensils and expiration dates during their regular inspections, but also to closely examine kitchen knives. Any hotel, restaurant, or roadside stall found with damaged or rusted knives could face heavy fines under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Repeated violations could even result in the restaurant's license being revoked.