Hide Not Thy Poison Within My Food

The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of the widespread issue of food adulteration in the state. This suo motu action sets a strong precedent for addressing food adulteration, a significant public health concern. The court’s directives call for stricter enforcement, improved infrastructure, and increased public awareness.

Fast Food and Even Faster Licensing With New Tatkal Option

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a new program for quicker licensing and registration of food businesses. Inspired by the “Tatkal” system for faster passport issuance, this program allows instant licenses or registrations for specific food businesses. It operates through FSSAI’s online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).

FSSAI Seeks Public Input on Food Testing Manuals

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is inviting public comments on Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Metals and Minerals and Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Sweets & Confectionary including Sweetening Agents. Interested parties can submit comments and suggestions by July 30, 2024.

FSSAI Proposes Streamlined Food Import Clearance Fee

The Basic Food Import Clearance Fee (BFICF) would replace existing fees with a single, standardized charge of Rs. 8400 + applicable GST per Bill of Entry (BoE). This fee would cover the cost of visual inspections, laboratory testing, and other processes required by the FSSAI. An individual Importer will pay a uniform basic fee amount to FSSAI for individual BoE, irrespective of the fact whether the same is referred by ICEGATE for FSSAI scrutiny procedure or not.

FSSAI Strengthens Measures to Remove Unsafe Food from Market

If a primary lab report finds a sample unsafe, the FSSAI directs Designated Officers (DOs) or Central Licensing Authorities (CLAs) must prohibit the Food Business Operator (FBO) from selling the unsafe food product, and must initiate food recall in specified cases. Such timely removal of unsafe food products is vital for safeguarding public health.

FSSAI Notifies NABL Accredited Laboratories for Western and Southern Region

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has modified its list of laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). These laboratories are notified for the purposes of carrying out analysis of food samples taken in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

FSSAI Warns Against Sale of Human Milk and Milk Products

The FSSAI has categorically emphasized that it has not authorized the processing or sale of human milk under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) and its associated regulations. The FSSAI emphasizes that all activities related to the commercial sale of human milk and its products must cease immediately. Violators risk legal action under the FSS Act.

SOP For +F Endorsement Certificate Revised

FSSAI has created a specific list of approved products in FoSCoS. This list defines which processed food products can be legally fortified under the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Food) Regulations 2018 and the 2020 amendments.