FSSAI Introduces Amendments To Food Products and Food Additives Standards
The minimum percentage of milk fat content in Khoa has been reduced from 30% to 27%. The compositional standards for Processed Cheese Spread and Mozzarella Cheese have been revised. Standards for Corn Oil have been added, including specifications for fatty acid composition and other parameters. Additionally, standards have been established for rice flour used in the preparation of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK).
FSSAI Revises Limits On Antimicrobials, Crop Contaminants and Naturally Occurring Toxic Substances
The new amendment regulations prescribe revised limits to crop contaminants and naturally occurring toxic substances in wheat, wheat bran, rye and barley. The amendment notification also prescribed a list of 14 antimicrobials and other drugs as prohibited for use in the production of meat, meat products, milk, milk products, poultry, eggs, and aquaculture.
FSSAI Removes Several Restrictions On Sale of Food Products
The amendment regulations have removed the requirements of AGMARK certification mark on the labels of sealed packages of Multi-Source Edible Oils and fat spreads. The amendment regulations also omit the restriction on sale of ghee having less Reichert value than that specified for the area where such ghee is sold.
FSSAI Notifies Format For Health Certificates For Import Of Food Products From Bhutan
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the format of the health certificate for import of food products into India intended for human consumption. It has also notified the list of approved establishments in Bhutan that can import specified food products.
FSSAI Mandates Use of NABL Symbol in Reporting Formats
All FSSAI-notified food testing laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 are now required to include the NABL symbol on their test reports for tests that fall within their scope of accreditation. The FSSAI has introduced new test report formats, Form VII A and Form XI, to be used for all surveillance and enforcement samples. For imported food products, notified laboratories and referral laboratories must use Form – 2
FSSAI Proposes Amendments to Food Additives Standards
The proposed draft regulations now specify the fatty acid composition of milk fat extracted from milk and milk products, excluding composite milk products. A new standard for Haleem, a popular dish made with meat, lentils, and wheat, has been proposed. The definition of Mixed Masala Powder has been updated to include garam masala as a possible ingredient.
FSSAI Proposes Amendments to Food Import Regulations
The FSSAI is proposing to update the methods of analysis used for testing imported food samples. While the Authority’s manuals will remain the primary reference, food laboratories will now have the flexibility to adopt validated methods prescribed by internationally recognized organizations. Additionally, it is also proposed that the director of notified laboratories or referral laboratories can be the authorised signatory on analysis reports.
FSSAI Introduces New Draft Regulations for Primary Milk Producers
Primary milk producers must register with the FSSAI. Hawkers and primary milk producers who are not members of dairy cooperative societies will be exempt from registration fees. The draft regulations also propose measures for handling, storage and transportation of milk, dairy sanitation, hygienic production of milk and environmental hygiene.
FSSAI Removes Restriction On Conditions of Sale of Sal-Seed Fat
The FSSAI is proposing to delete the sub-regulation that currently states that no person shall sell sal-seed fat for any other purpose except for bakery and confectionery and it shall be refined and shall bear a label declaration. Interested stakeholders can submit their feedback by December 5, 2024.
FSSAI Waives Registration Fees for Hawkers
Effective September 28, 2024, hawkers will no longer be required to pay registration fees under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Hawkers will receive a registration certificate valid for five years, eliminating the previous option to choose a shorter duration.
