FSSAI Appoints Two New Central Food Safety Officers for Eastern Region
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has announced the appointment of two new Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) for the Eastern Region. This announcement comes via a notification issued on January 2, 2025, amending the principal notification published on September 2, 2021.
Food Authority Announces New Timeline for Labeling Regulation Compliance
The FSSAI has set a standard enforcement date of July 1st for amendments related to the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, as well as any labeling changes specified in other FSS Regulations. This date is subject to a minimum of 180 days from the date of official notification of the amendments. The Authority has also stipulated that in emergency situations, the implementation and enforcement timeline may be decided on a case-by-case basis.
FSSAI Mandates Quarterly Reporting on Rejected and Expired Food Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a new provision requiring quarterly submission of data by FSSAI-licensed food manufacturers, including repackers, relabellers, and importers. The move is aimed at ensuring transparency in the handling of non-compliant food items and preventing their potential misuse. Concerns have been raised about such products being repackaged or sold under the guise of cattle feed, posing risks to public health.
FSSAI Reduces Sample Size for Imported Vitamin D2 to 50 Grams
Authorized Officers are now directed to draw a representative sample of at least 50 grams of imported Vitamin D2. This will consist of two samples of 25 grams each. This change addresses concerns raised about the previous requirement of 500 grams, considering Vitamin D2’s high cost.
FSSAI Publishes Latest List of Accredited Food Testing Laboratories
The list specifies a total of 218 FSSAI Notified NABL Accredited Food Testing Laboratories with valid accreditation. Additionally the list also specifies, 24 FSSAI notified laboratories whose NABL accreditation validity has expired or are under suspension or under process of denotification or have shifted premise without Integrated assessment.
E-commerce Food Businesses Urged to Prioritize Food Safety and Compliance
E-commerce FBOs are urged to prioritize training for their delivery staff in food safety and hygiene practices. E-commerce platforms must ensure that the product information displayed online is consistent with the physical product label.
FSSAI Reclassifies Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water as High-Risk Food Category
FSSAI will conduct mandatory annual inspections of manufacturing facilities of packaged drinking water and mineral water to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards. Central License holders for high-risk food categories, including packaged drinking water and mineral water, must undergo annual third-party food safety audits.
FSSAI Revises List Of Notified Laboratories For Testing Of Fortificants in Fortified Rice Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has updated its list of approved laboratories capable of testing fortificants in Fortified Rice (FR), Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), and Vitamin-Mineral Premix for FRK. This order dated November 18, 2024, supersedes the previous order dated October 9, 2024.
FSSAI Focuses on Food Safety During Peak Tourist Season
States and UTs are urged to deploy Food Safety on Wheels mobile labs to conduct inspections at tourist spots and food outlets. FSSAI has called for increased surveillance of warehouses and delivery personnel associated with e-commerce food businesses.
FSSAI Makes PAN Mandatory for Food Business Licenses and Registrations
All new applications for FSSAI licenses and registrations, as well as renewals and modifications, must include the PAN number of the FBO. This is effective from October 22, 2024. Existing FBOs whose renewal or modification is not imminent are required to update their PAN details on the FoSCOS portal as soon as possible.
