FSSAI to Hold Stakeholder Meeting on Proposed Food Safety Standards
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a stakeholder meeting to discuss proposed new food safety standards and amendments to existing regulations. The meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi. For those unable to attend in person, the FSSAI has provided an online platform through Webex. Stakeholders are requested to confirm their attendance, whether physical or online, to help with logistical arrangements.
Government to Establish 100 New Food Testing Labs to Boost Food Safety Nationwide
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) will financially support the establishment of 100 new National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited food testing laboratories in the upcoming financial year 2025-26. The announcement was made on March 22, 2025 by the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries.
DGFT Amends Handbook of Procedures for Import of Tea, Spices, and Coconut Oil
The export obligation period for items covered by Chapter 9 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC(HS)] and coconut oil has been extended from 90 days to 6 months from the date on which the first import consignment is cleared by Customs Authorities. The export obligation period for imported spices used for value addition (VA) purposes like crushing, grinding, sterilization, or the manufacture of oils and oleoresins of pepper, cardamom, and chillies has been extended from 120 days to 6 months from the date of importation of the first consignment.
Government Urges Edible Oil Associations to Maintain MRP Amidst Duty Changes
Associations have been advised to maintain the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of edible oils until stocks imported at lower duties are depleted. The government has raised Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on various edible oils to support domestic oilseed farmers.
Vegetable Oils Grading and Marking (Amendment) Rules, 2023
The rules aim to update and refine the regulations governing the grading and marking of vegetable oils. The new rule stipulates that vegetable oils intended for domestic trade must adhere to restrictions regarding residual levels of metal contaminants, pesticide residues, microbial requirements, crop contaminants, naturally occurring toxic substances, and other food safety requirements.
Multi-Source Edible Oils Grading and Marking Rules, 2023
The government has mandated the use of a Grade Designation Mark, referred to as the “AGMARK Insignia,” for all packaged Multi-Source Edible Oils. The Agricultural Marketing Adviser or authorized officers are responsible for approving the manner in which the Grade Designation Mark is affixed to or printed on each package.
Central Government reduces Basic Import Duty on Edible Oils
The decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to implement measures aimed at reducing the prices of Edible Oils in the domestic market. By lowering the Import Duty on Refined Sunflower Oil and Refined Soyabean Oil, the government aims to benefit consumers and ease domestic retail prices.
