FSSAI Releases Definitive List of Ayurveda Aahara for Manufacturers

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, has released a comprehensive list of Ayurveda Aahara (Ayurvedic food preparations) covered under Category A of the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022. This move is designed to facilitate Food Business Operators (FBOs) in the manufacturing of these traditional health-promoting foods, providing clarity and simplifying compliance.

The new list is provided as per Note (1) under Schedule B of the Ayurveda Aahara Regulations, which empowers the Food Authority to periodically update such a list. This compilation draws from authoritative Ayurvedic texts listed under Schedule A books, ensuring the authenticity and traditional basis of the preparations.

For FBOs, this definitive list offers a clear reference point, enabling them to confidently manufacture a range of Ayurveda Aahara products. The FSSAI has also outlined a process for inclusion of Ayurveda Aahara products that fall under Category A but are not yet on the newly released list. FBOs can request their inclusion by submitting relevant literature from authoritative texts listed under Schedule A books to the Food Authority. Any future changes or additions to this list will be notified separately.

Comprehensive Range of Traditional Preparations

The released list encompasses a wide array of traditional Ayurvedic food preparations, including:

1. Alikamatsya/Alikamaccha (Black Gram Fritters): Referenced from Bhavaprakash Nighantu and Bhojana Kutuhala.
2. Angarakarkati (Baked Wheat Balls): Referenced from Bhavaprakash Nighantu and Bhojana Kutuhala.
3. Dadhi/Takra (Curd-based preparations): This extensive category includes 21 different preparations such as Dadhi Guda (Jaggery Curd), Jiraka Dadhi (Cumin-Flavoured Curd), Takra (Processed Buttermilk), and various medicated and spiced buttermilks like Agnivardhaka Takra, Rochaka Takra, Divya Takra, Piyusha Takra, Khala Takra, Trikatu Takra, Vyoshadi Takra, Triushnadi Takra, Sharkaradi Takra, Yavanyadi Takra, Madvadi Takra, Hapushadi Takra, and Yavani Nagaradya Takra. It also features traditional soups like Virasika (Buttermilk Soup) and Rochaka (Pomegranate Soup).
4. Dali/Soopa (Lentil Soup): Includes general lentil soups as well as specific preparations like Mudga Soopa (Green Gram Soup), Masha Soopa (Black Gram Soup), and Kulattha Soopa (Horse Gram Soup).
5. Gulkand (Rose Petal Jam): A popular preserve listed from Siddha Bheshaja Manimala.
6. Hamsini (Processed Sweetened Milk): Referenced from Kshema Kutuhala.
7. Hima (Cool Infusion): Such as Dhanyaka Hima (Coriander Cool Infusion) from Sharngadhara Samhita.
8. Indarika (Steamed Rice Cake): Commonly known as Idli, listed from Ayurveda Mahodadhi.
9. Jali (Spicy Raw Mango Drink): From Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
10. Kwathita (Spicy Buttermilk Curry): Including variations of Kadhi from Bhojana Kutuhala and Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
11. Karpuranalika (Crispy Sticks): Known as Karpura Crispy Sticks, from Ayurveda Mahodadhi.
12. Kashaya (Herbal Tea): Such as Lajadi Kashaya (Parched Rice Tea) from Vaidya Chintamani.
13. Krishara (Khichdi): The well-known preparation, referenced from Bhavaprakash Nighantu and Bhojana Kutuhala.
14. Ksheera (Milk preparations): A diverse group including Golaka Dugdha (Condensed Milk without Sugar), Ksheerasara (Sweetened Condensed Milk), Narikela Ksheerika (Milky Coconut Delight), Yava Ksheera (Barley Milk), Dugdha Kupika (Stuffed Fried Cottage Cheese Dumplings), Sugandhit Ksheera (Aroma infused milk), and Ksheerapaka (Mystic Milk Quartet).
15. Kulmasha (Barley Savory Discs): From Kaiyadeva Nighantu.
16. Lapsika (Sweet Porridge): Referenced from Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
17. Manda (Cooked Rice Water): Including plain and various flavored rice waters like Mudgadi Manda (Green Gram Rice Water) and Vatya Manda (Barley Water).
18. Mantha (Drink preparations): A range of nourishing drinks like Yavsaktu Mantha (Barley Drink), Kharjuradi Mantha (Energy drink), Masuradi Mantha (Lentil Drink), and various fruit and cereal-based Manthas.
19. Mashendri (Spiced Black Gram Fritters): From Ruchivadhu Gala Ratnamala.
20. Modaka (Laddu/Sweet Balls): An extensive collection of sweet ball preparations including Sevika Modaka (Sweet Vermicelli Balls), Mudga Modaka (Sweet Green Gram Balls), and Tila Modaka (Sweet Sesame Balls).
21. Murabba (Fruit Preserve): Including Amalaki Murabba (Gooseberry Fruit Preserve).
22. Panaka (Drink preparations): A broad category of refreshing and medicinal drinks such as Amlikaphala Panaka (Spicy Tamarind Drink), Nimbukaphala Panaka (Lemonade), and Chandana Panaka (Sandalwood Drink).

This list, along with the provision for FBOs to request the inclusion of other relevant Aahara products from authoritative texts, is a significant step towards formalizing and expanding the production of traditional Ayurvedic foods, promoting public health through authentic and standardized products. For any queries or concerns, FBOs are advised to contact ayurvedaaahara@fssai.gov.in.