ASPA and Ex-CBI Director to Release Food Adulteration Paper
The Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA), in collaboration with Dr. Keshav Kumar, IPS (Retd.), Ph.D., Forensic Advisor to the Government of Assam and Honorary Member of ASPA, is set to release a white paper addressing the growing challenge of food adulteration and its implications for consumer safety, public health, and industry trust.
The upcoming white paper examines emerging trends in food adulteration and highlights the importance of strengthening enforcement frameworks, authentication technologies, and traceability systems across the food supply chain.
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Drawing from extensive law enforcement and forensic expertise, the publication aims to encourage stronger collaboration between regulators, industry stakeholders, and technology providers to tackle this complex challenge.
Speaking on the initiative, Ankit Gupta, President, ASPA notes, “safeguarding the integrity of food products requires a collective effort involving stronger regulatory enforcement, industry accountability, and the adoption of advanced authentication and traceability mechanisms”.
Author of the white paper, Dr. Keshav Kumar, emphasized the role of investigative and forensic approaches in addressing organized adulteration networks and strengthening deterrence within the food ecosystem.
The white paper will be available for free download on the ASPA website, enabling policymakers, enforcement agencies, industry stakeholders, and consumers to access insights aimed at strengthening trust and transparency in India’s food supply chain.
Earlier, at the upcoming national conference on authentication and traceability, TAF Connect 2026 in Mumbai on 16 March, the joint report titled "State of Counterfeiting in India 2025" will be unveiled by the Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) and CRISIL. The report delves into current trends in counterfeiting and offers tailored insights for the pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and agriculture sectors.
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Additionally, it presents tactics focused on enhancing consumer safety, maintaining supply chain transparency, and safeguarding brand reputation. TAF Connect 2026 is set to host panel discussions, technical presentations, policy dialogues, and solution showcases centered on the implementation of measures against counterfeiting. This one-day event aims to convene brand owners, regulators, policymakers, and providers of technological solutions.
Mankind Pharma and Crystal Crop Protection have aligned themselves with the initiative as the National Consumer Trust & Safety Partners. The conference is further endorsed by CropLife India and the Irrigation Association of India.
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Established in 1998, ASPA identifies itself as the inaugural self-regulated non-profit entity dedicated to advocating for physical and digital authentication as well as traceability solutions globally. The organization's primary objective is to inform industry players about technological advancements in the realms of brand preservation, document integrity, financial safety, and consumer autonomy.