There are a number of organisations responsible for the formulation of food standards, regulations and monitoring quality that come under either Compulsory Legislation and / or Voluntary Standards. The most important acts under complusory legislation is the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954 (administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) and the Essential Commodities Act 1954 (Ministry of Food Processing Industry and monitored by the Central Food Products Committee).

Voluntary standards are largely organised by a number of different bodies, both domestic (Bureau of Indian Standards) and international (ISO). These standards cover agricultural products, environmentally friendly products and organic food products. However it is important to note that while most standards may be nationwide, food regulations may change according to each state, of which there are 28.