The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive requiring food manufacturers to exclusively use Ashwagandha roots and their extracts, banning the use of leaves in any form. This decision follows reports of some manufacturers incorporating Ashwagandha leaves and extracts into their products, which violates existing regulations. The FSSAI emphasizes that Ashwagandha is permitted for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals, and medical purposes, but only the roots are compliant with safety standards. This directive is also supported by the Ministry of Ayush, which has instructed drug manufacturers to adhere to the same guidelines. State food safety commissioners and officials have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with this regulation to protect consumer health.