FOOD Konnect

2023-10-19T18:51:00.000+05:30

Manufacturers [including Repackers and Relabellers] to Upload or Link, Mandatory Lab Testing Report [Six Monthly] of Food Products on FoSCoS website for period of April'23 to Sept'23 Last date 31/Oct'23

EPR Compliance Mandatory before 31/Oct/2023

2023-09-28T22:38:00.000+05:30

EPR Compliance Mandatory before 31/Oct/2023

As per CPCB guidelines compliance under EPR had become mandatory and need to be filed by 31 October 2023 Violators will be penalized for defying the recently published directive by CPCB. Get your ERP compliance filing done by connecting with Food Konnect.

Talk to us
9810056142
sannat@foodkonnect.in

FSSAI Announces Important Changes to Alcoholic Beverage Rules.

2023-09-27T16:43:00.001+05:30

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced amendments to the existing regulations governing alcoholic beverages.

This move comes as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and quality standards in the country. The FSSAI, through a notification published on the 21st of August, 2023, has unveiled the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment Regulations, 2023 which describes significant changes to alcoholic beverage rules and regulations

This first amendment (2023) has introduced changes to the existing regulations (2018).

click here to read more

FSSAI Order On Upload of Lab Test Reports by Manufacturers, Relabellers and Repackers

2023-02-01T21:34:00.000+05:30

In the recent order issued by authority on 13th January 2023, FSSAI has mandated that all the manufacturers including repacker and relabeller shall upload the six-monthly lab testing reports on FoSCoS or link lab reports from the InFoLNet wherever the samples are analyzed by FSSAI notified labs.

Lab testing to be done as per ‘Condition No. 12’ under the licensing & registration rules which says, “Ensure testing of relevant chemical and/or microbiological contaminants in food products in accordance with these regulations as frequently as required on the basis of historical data and risk assessment to ensure production and delivery of safe food through own or NABL accredited/FSSAI notified labs at least once in six months.”

The last date for uploading the lab testing report for the period April 2022 to September 2022 is 31st March 2023.

Thereafter, FBOs will be able to upload the six-monthly lab testing report on FoSCoS within one month from the closing date of respective half yearly period i.e., by 31st October for period of April to September and by 31st April for period October to March.

FBOs have to upload the lab test reports on FoSCoS portal.

FSSAI has given this manadate to bring in transparency and ease out the process of filing the Annual Returns by Food Busines Operators at the end of the financiual year. Manufacturers including Relabellers and Repackers will be benefitted from this order.

Source: FSSAI

FSSAI : Capping of penalties due to delay in submission of Annual Returns.

2022-11-13T12:05:00.002+05:30

FSSAI : Capping of penalties due to delay in submission of Annual Returns.

Non-submission of FSSAI’s Annual Returns attracts a monetary penalty, but this penalty had no upper capping earlier.

FSSAI has issued a new order regarding the upper capping on the monetary penalty that will reduce the burden on FBOs owing to the accumulated penalties.

To facilitate the ease of doing business, FSSAI has capped the maximum amount of penalty levied due to non-submission of Annual Returns.

"Any delay in filing return beyond 31st May of each year shall attract a penalty of Rs 100/- per day for delay till the date of filing of the return. The maximum penalty that can be levied shall not exceed 5 times the annual fees of the license."

..download FSSAI notifications

FSSAI issues detailed graphic specification of Vegan Logo

2022-09-25T16:32:00.000+05:30

Vegan Logo

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has drawn reference
to Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022 gazette notified on 10th June, 2022 and came in force w.e.f. its publication in the official Gazette.

FSSAI as per the sub-regulation 5(2) of FSS (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022 issued “Guidelines dated 25th July, 2022 for submission of applications for endorsement of vegan logo and formats” for the approval from the Authority.

FSSAI has clarified that upon approval of the application as per Form B, the Food Business Operators are eligible to use the vegan logo. The sub-regulation 4(2) of the FSS (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022 states the following “Every package of vegan foods, after the approval, shall carry the logo as specified below”.

In reference to the above, the detailed graphic specification of the Vegan logo is placed at the Annexure-1. Notably the above directions have been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority in exercise of the power vested under Section 16(5) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

.....view and download Gazette Notification

FSSAI Amends Labeling and Display Amendment Regulations 2021

2022-09-25T15:41:00.002+05:30

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) came up with a Gazette Notification of Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Amendment Regulations 2021 with amendments in font size and exemptions etc.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India hereby makes the following regulations further to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, namely: -

1. (1) These regulations may be called the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, 2022.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 (herein after refer as said regulations), -

(1) in regulation 5, -

(i) in sub-regulation (3), -

(a) in clause (b)(ii) (C), -

(A) for second proviso, the following proviso shall be substituted, namely: - “Provided that saturated fat and trans fat to be given only if total fat content is more than 0.5% in final food.”

(B) after the second proviso, the following proviso shall be inserted, namely: -

“Provided further that cholesterol content to be given only for products containing fats of animal origin and where total fat content is more than 0.5%.”

(b) for clause (c) (xi), the following shall be substituted, namely, -

“(xi) Chewing gum and bubble gum”;

FSSAI’s Gazette Notification on Prohibition and Restriction on Sales Second Amendment Regulations 2022

2022-09-17T12:35:00.000+05:30

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India have released The draft of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2021, were published by Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006). The vide notification of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, F.No.Stds./03/Notification(IFR)/FSSAI - 2017(part-3), published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, part III, Section 4, dated the 06th September, 2021. The objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected have been invited before the expiry of the period of sixty days from the date on which the copies of the Official Gazette containing the said notifications were made available to the public;

Notably, the copies of the said Gazette were made available to the public on the 08th September, 2021 .FSSAI has considered the suggestions received from the public.

Consequently, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India makes the following regulations to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, namely: –

Regulations

Short title and commencement. –

These regulations may be called the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) First Amendment Regulations, 2022.
They shall come into force on 1st April, 2023.

In the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 (hereinafter referred as said regulations), –

In regulation 2.3, in sub-regulation 2.3.14, for clause (4), the following shall be substituted, namely: –

“No person shall manufacture, sell, store or exhibit for sale food for infant nutrition, except under Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification Mark, wherever BIS standards are available”.

read and download FSSAI document....

FSSAI Clarifies Standards of Hypoallergenic Infant Milk Substitutes

2022-03-06T14:16:00.000+05:30

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) with the approval of all the Competent Authority has clarified the standards of hypoallergenic infant milk substitutes specified under Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.

The apex body of Food Safety has drawn reference to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations 2020 published in Gazette of India on 4th December, 2020. The regulations throw light on standards for infant food including hypoallergenic infant milk substitutes. Notably, the date of compliance of these regulations was extended up to 01″ April, 2022.

Consequently, in this regard a direction dated 30.06.2021 was issued to allow the import of two Hypoallergenic Conditions (i.e. severe allergy due to multiple food protein intolerance that cannot be effectively managed by extensively hydrolyzed formula, and cow milk protein allergy) till 31.03.2022.

FSSAI has further clarified that regulation 15(1)(a) of ibid Regulations already covers hypoallergenic infant milk substitute products based on extensively hydrolyzed whey protein or casein or free amino acids. Hence two hypoallergenic conditions mentioned above are included in the regulations.

The Food Business Operators (FBOs) should fulfill the standards of hypoallergenic infant milk substitute as specified under the above mentioned regulations which will come into effect on 01″ Apri1, 2022.

View FSSAI document

FSSAI’s Directions on Extension of Validity of the NOC for Alcoholic Beverages

2022-02-26T12:35:00.001+05:30

In order to facilitate trade and ease of doing business reforms the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) has decided that for the imported consignments of alcoholic beverages bottled in origin & in bulk, containing more than 10 percent alcohol which does not have an expiry date.

The NOC issued as per the FSS (Import) Regulations, 2017 shall have a validity of 300 days. For consignments lying at ports/Customs area beyond 300 days, on payment of visual inspection fee, visual inspection may be carried out for revalidation of NOC.

The directions shall be valid till further orders in this regard. The decision has been taken with the approval of Competent Authority in exercise of the power vested with Food Authority under Section 16(5) of the FSS Act, 2006.

View document : FSSAI.

FSSAI issues Gazette Notification on Amendment Regulations Related to Sampling of Food Imported for Production of Value Added products for 100 per cent exports

2022-02-25T16:35:00.006+05:30

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, with the previous approval of the Central Government has made the following regulations, further to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017.

“the articles of food or ingredients or additive imported by the manufacturers or processors for their captive use or production of value added products for hundred per cent exports; or the consignments of articles of food or ingredients or additives imported by the firms or companies for use of their sister concerns or wholly owned subsidiary companies, to be used for hundred per cent export production subject to a defined relationship agreement between the two entities in this behalf and accompanied with Sanitary/Health Certificate issued by the Competent Authority of an exporting country”;

To read the entire regulations click on the link below;

Source: FSSAI

FSSAI Extends Date of Compliance of Foods for Infants with Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM)

2022-02-14T20:53:00.000+05:30

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) along with the approval of Competent Authorities has extended the timeline for compliance of standards for Infants with Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) specified under Food Safety and Standards(Foods for Infant Nutrition Regulations 2020. The date is extended up to 01st April 2022.

Notably, in this regard, a direction dated 30.06.2021 was issued to allow the import of food products for IEM conditions till 31.03.2022. Significantly, the regulation 16(1)(e) of the above mentioned regulations states that “ the food Authority shall specify the IEM conditions as approved by it after undertaking proper scientific evaluation.

No Food Business Operator (FBO) shall manufacture, sell, market, or import products for IEM conditions except those specified by the food authority from time to time”.

In exercise of the power mentioned in the regulation 16(1) (e) as above, the Food Authority has approved the list of IEM conditions as per Annexure I. The list will come into effect from 01″ April, 2022. Till such time, the direction issued on 30.06.2021 will continue to be in force.

Click on the link below to read the list of Inborn errors of Metabolism(IEM) Conditions.

Source : FSSAI Document

FSSAI on Declaration of Percentage Contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowance

2022-02-10T22:24:00.003+05:30

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) has drawn reference to the Sub-Regulation 5(3)(b) of Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020, which stipulates labeling of Nutritional Information per 100g or l00ml or per single consumption pack of the product and per serve percentage (%) contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowance calculated on the basis of 2000kcal energy, 67 g total fat, 22 g saturated fat, 2 g trans-fat, 50 g added sugar and 2000 mg of sodium (5 g salt) requirement for average adult per day, on the label.

The apex body of food safety has received several representations from stakeholders regarding declaration of percentage (%) contribution to RDA in case of foods targeted for specific age groups and this concern is under consideration of sub-group constituted by FSSAI.

Significantly, the enforcement of FSS (Labeling & Display) Regulation would begin from 1″ July, 2022. It has been clarified that foods which are targeted to a specific age group or physiological condition respective RDA’s may be considered for declaring per serve percentage (%) RDA – as per the direction F.No. Stds/SP–05Orders FSSAI dated 2″August, 2021 – issued based on the recommended dietary allowance specified by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

The directions have been issued with the approval of Competent Authority in exercise of the power vested with Food Authority under section 16(5) of FSS Act, 2006.

Click here to read the FSSAI document

FSSAI to take stringent action against Malpractices in Disposal of Used Cooking Oil.

2022-02-06T16:31:00.000+05:30

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure on Regulatory action against malpractices in disposal of used cooking oil.

The Apex body of food safety has drawn reference to order no 1-2/Stds/O&F/Notification n (II)/FSSAI-2018 dated 06.05.2019 regarding enrolment of Biodiesel plants under Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative for collection of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) from Food Business Operators.

Meanwhile, FSSAI is also initiating a similar enrollment process for manufacturers of soap, lubricants, etc. It has stated that it is indispensable to ensure that the UCO collected by the FSSAI enrolled biodiesel plants, manufacturers of soap, lubricant, etc is utilized only for preparation of the intended product and not redirected to the food supply chain.

FSSAI has taken decision along with the approval of all the Competent Authorities that in case of any malpractice is observed against the FSSAI enrolled biodiesel plants, manufacturers of soap, lubricant, etc and/or their aggregator/collection agency then suitable regulatory action must be taken against them by regulatory officials.

Similar actions are required in respect of FBOs not disposing of UCO as per the directions issued by FSSAI. It has been notified that the regulatory officials may refer to the SOP on Regulatory Action against Malpractices in Disposal of UCO at Annex A for taking suitable action against the non-compliant FSSAI enrolled biodiesel plants, manufacturers of soap lubricant, etc, their aggregators and FBOs.

To read the complete SOP on regulatory action against malpractices in Disposal of Used Cooking Oil, click on the link below.

Click here to read/download the document.

FSSAI Clarifies On Blend Of Oils In Premixes Admixtures

2021-12-01T23:33:00.044+05:30

The FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 through its Sub regulation 2.2.1(24) have specified the standards for Multi source edible oils.

It has been stated that an admixture of any two edible vegetable oils where the proportions by weight of any edible vegetable oil used in the admixture shall be less than 20 per cent. The individual oils in the blend should be in compliance with the standards prescribed in the regulations.

Sub regulation 2.1.1 of the FSS (Prohibition and Restriction on sale) Regulations 2011 states that notwithstanding the provision of 2.7 of labelling and packaging regulations, no person shall either by himself or by any servant or agent sell any multi source edible vegetable oil containing mustard oil manufactured on or after 8th June 2021.

It is clarified that restrictions are not applicable to a blend of edible oils intended to be used as an intermediate product (ingredient pre-mix) in the manufacture of other products by other food businesses. In compliance with the following conditions;

Such a blend of multiple edible oils should not be sold in the retail market and a clarification by a food business operator to this effect (such as ‘Not for retail sale’ / “For use as a pre-mix in formulating a product’) should be suitably identifiable with the product.

Both the manufacturer and user of such ingredient pre-mix shall maintain all records in respect of their inventory and produce the inventory records as and when sought by the Food Authority.

It is also clarified that such blends, since intended for intermediary use, shall be licensed under Category 99 (99.1).

FSSAI’s Amendment Regulation on Re-operationalisation of Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses

2021-11-20T21:15:00.000+05:30

The amendment regulation 2021 came with several changes in the re-operationalization of Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business).

FSSAI’s Amendment Regulation
on Re-operationalization
of Licensing and
Registration of Food Businesses

To reckon, as per section 92 of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, (34 of 2006), FSSAI had framed the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business Amendment Regulations 2018 which was approved by food authorities on 21 September 2017.

A quick look at the amendments in regulations related to the following sections;

Section I: Licensing and Registration of E-commerce food business operator

Section II: Documents to be enclosed for new application for license to State /central licensing Authority for restaurant

Section III: Conditions of license for restaurant

Section IV: Part II of schedule 4 relating to general requirements on Hygiene and sanitary practices to be followed by all the food business operators applying for license.

Section V: Part IV of schedule 4 relating to establishing a small slaughterhouse.

Section VI : Part V of schedule 4 relating to good hygienic and manufacturing practices to be followed by licensed food business operators engaged in catering or food business operations.

These regulations were operationalised in exercise of the power vested with the food authority under section 18 (2) (d) read with section 16 (5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 with effect from 15.02.2018 and subsequently re-operationalized w.e.f 16.08.2018 , 28.02.2019 and 28.08.2019 , 16.02.2020 , 16.08.2020 & 19.03.2021 respectively. Some other provisions of these regulations were also operationalized vide direction dated 16.11.2020 and 05.04.2021.
The draft regulations were notified on 17.11.2020 inviting comments from stakeholders and are currently under the process of finalization. Since the notification of the final amendment regulation is likely to take some time. It has been decided to re-operationalise the food safety and standards (Licensing and Registration of food business) Amendment Regulations 2021 as enclosed herewith with effect from 16.08.2021 to ensure food safety and fair practices in food business operations.

The food business operators shall follow these regulations and the enforcement of these regulations shall commence only after the final regulations are notified in the Gazette of India except the amendment in sub regulations 2.1.9 which has already come into effect from 27th March 2020 and in so far as schedule 4 requirements are concerned if required improvement Notice under section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 may be issued to Food Business Operators and accordingly action may be taken for compliance of these requirements.

This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority in exercise of the power vested under Section 18(2) (d) and 16(5) of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

According to FSSAI, Food business operators shall follow the revised regulations. The enforcement of these regulations shall commence only after the final regulations are notified in the Gazette of India, except the amendment in sub- regulation 2.19 which shall come into force with immediate effect. Any non- compliance w.r.t. schedule-4 of these regulations may be addressed by issuing Improvement Notice under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for further compliance with immediate effect.

The amendments as framed in the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations may be accessed from the FSSAI website FSSAI.GOV.IN

Source:FSSAI

FSSAI’s guidelines on standards of Coffee and Chicory mixture.

2021-11-20T14:59:00.001+05:30

Nov 18,2021

The FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 distinctly specify standards for Coffee and Coffee-Chicory mixtures.

Accordingly, the coffee content in the Coffee-Chicory mixture shall not be less than 51 per cent by mass and every package containing a mixture of coffee and chicory.

Moreover, the percentage content of Coffee and Chicory must be declared on its label in compliance with the FSS (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation 2011.

Besides, pre-packaged food shall not be described or presented on any label or in any labelling manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character in any respect.

Further, the FSS(Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 stipulates that the term “pure” shall only be used to describe a single ingredient food to which nothing has been added.

Obtrusively, the products available in the market are in violation of the above FSSR provisions and are either depicting Coffee-Chicory mixtures as Pure Coffee or are not declaring percentage content of coffee and chicory separately in the mixtures.

Suffice to say that it is crucial to ensure necessary compliance of the above FSSR provisions for all such products and take appropriate regulatory action against the FBOs for violating the FSS regulations w.r.t. standards of coffee and coffee-chicory mixture.

Source : FSSAI

2021-08-06T09:09:00.000+05:30

FSSAI Directions Regarding Food Category for Sweets Snacks and Savouries for Licensing

FSSAI has issued an order dated 19 July 2021 regarding Food Category for Registration / Licensing of FBOs manufacturing Indian Sweets and Snacks & Savouries.

FSSAI has received several representations from Industry Associations regarding difficulties being faced by various small and medium scale manufacturers/ packers of Indian Sweets and Snacks & Savouries products due to unavailability of standards of these products under such Food Safety and Standards Regulations. As a result, such small and medium food business operators are required to obtain the central license under the proprietary food products, which is not only costly but also entails onerous compliances for the said category.
In order to ease out the licensing / registrations for such small and medium food businesses manufacturing Sweets and Snacks & Savouries, the FSSAI has decided to assign the Food Product Category 18 in the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) under ‘General Manufacturing’ Kind of Business. This will enable such FBOs involved in manufacturing of Indian Sweets and Snacks & Savouries to apply for registration, State License or Central License, as per the eligibility criteria based on their production capacity and turnover. Detailed categorisation of Food Product Category 18 is as below.

18: Indian Sweets and Indian Snacks & Savouries Products

18.1 Indian Sweets

18.1.1 Milk based Sweets

18.1.1.1 Khoa based Sweets
18.1.1.2 Chhana based Sweets
18.1.1.3 Fermented milk products based Indian Sweets
18.1.1.4 Other composite milk products based Indian Sweets

18.1.2 Cereal or pulses flour/starch-based Sweets

18.1.2.1 Cereal based Sweets
18.1.2.2 Pulses based Sweets
18.1.2.3 Starch based Sweets
18.1.3 Dry Fruit and nuts-based Sweets
18.1.4 Indian Confections
18.1.5 Fruit and Vegetables based Sweets

18.2 Indian snacks & savouries products

18.2.1 Cereal or pulses flour/ Starch based snacks & savouries
18.2.2 Fruit and vegetable-based snacks & savouries
18.2.3 Dry fruits and nuts-based snacks & savouries
18.2.4 Ready to eat and Ready to cook products

Note: Detailed descriptors of these categories are given at Annexure I

It is clarified that the above-mentioned Food Product Category 18 shall not be applicable to those products whose standards have already been defined by FSSAI and mapped in Food Safety Compliance System under Food Products Category 01-14 for Licensing and Registration purpose.
Further, while applying FSSAI registration/license for the above food category/products, FBOs shall take note of the following:
The food product categories mentioned at para 2 above, shall be allowed for registration/licensing as per the eligibility criteria as given in the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
The food products under sub categories under 1 Indian Sweets shall be allowed to use the additives of applicable categories as specified in Table 1 of Annexure II and the food products under sub categories under 18.2 Indian Snacks & Savouries Products shall be allowed to use the additives of applicable categories as specified in Table 2 of Annexure II. With regard to the GMP table, all additives allowed at GMP may also be allowed in products covered under these categories.
Any FBO who is manufacturing any Indian Sweets and Snacks & Savouries which is already licensed under proprietary food need not to get their license modified to license under these new categories.
Further any FBO, whose product does not fall under FPC 18 Indian Sweets and Indian Snacks & Savouries, shall be licensed under proprietary foods as per the pre-existing categories.
The other FBOs such as caterers, restaurants and other food services which serve/sell fresh unpackaged Sweets/Snacks & Savouries at their premises shall obtain registration / license as per the existing food categories as per their eligibility. It is clarified that, FBOs selling pre-packaged Sweets/Snacks & Savouries, shall obtain license for General Manufacturing Kind of Business under FPC 18 as per eligibility criteria.
Contaminants including heavy metals and Pesticide residues: as specified for the category “Foods not specified’ under Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulation, 2011 shall be applicable for the products covered under these categories.
Microbiological requirements as per Appendix-B of Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 – as specified for the base product which is used in the preparation of Sweets and Snacks & Savouries shall be applicable for the products covered under these categories. For example- Major raw material- Milk in Milk based Sweets.
Aflatoxin/DON/NOTs as per Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulation, 2011: as specified for the base product which are used in the preparation of Sweets and Snacks & Savouries shall be applicable for the products covered under these categories. For example- Nuts used in the preparation of snacks.
At present, Food Product Category 18 is created for the purpose of Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses for the Indian Sweets and Indian Snacks & Savouries (as mentioned) and sub-categories of FPC 18 have been mapped with existing sub-categories of FPC 1 to 16, so that the testing of horizontal standards can be performed. The vertical standards of food products will be finalised and notified in due course.
FBOs involved in Kind of Businesses other than manufacturers and having Food Product Categories under following categories shall be allowed to conduct their food business activities for the products covered under FPC 18 without modifying their existing license.

01-Dairy products and analogues, excluding products of food category 2.0
04-Fruits and vegetables (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, fresh pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), seaweeds, and nuts and seeds
05-Confectionery
06-Fruits and vegetables (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, fresh pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), seaweeds, and nuts and seeds
15-Ready to eat Savouries
16-Prepared Food

Annexure -1

FOOD CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

18.1 Indian Sweets

Sweets also known as Mithais in India are the products originating from Indian heritage and culture and may be prepared using a number of ingredients namely, sugar, jaggery, honey, milk, dry fruits, nuts, cereals and their flour or starch, pulses and their flour, fruits, vegetables, spices, edible vegetable oil, ghee in various forms, styles or consistencies. The common names are Halwa, Mysore Pak, Boondi Ladoo, Jalebi, Khoya Burfi, Peda, Gulab Jamun, Rasogolla and similar sweets sold by any name, etc. These products may be prepared by various processing methods including concentration, frying, coagulation by heat or acid or any other appropriate method as per the intended use of the product.

18.1.1 Milk based Sweets

Includes dairy based Indian sweets which may or may not be flavoured.

18.1.1.1 Khoa based Sweets

Includes Indian sweets prepared from milk concentrated or partially desiccated, khoa (cow or buffalo milk concentrated by boiling), sugar or Artificial sweetener, wheat flour, edible vegetable oil, ghee, spices and other ingredients. Examples include– Rabri, Basundi, Milk cake, Peda, plain burfee, Dhoda burfi, Singori and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.1.1.2 Chhana based Sweets

Includes sweets prepared from heat and acid coagulated milk products (milk – heat coagulated aided by acids like citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, etc), chhana (cow or buffalo milk, heat coagulated aided by acids like citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, etc), sugar or Artificial sweetener, spices and other ingredients. Examples include chenna/channa based sweets sold by name of Bengali sweets, i.e., Cham cham, Raj bhog, Ras malai, Rasogolla, Rasbhari, etc., Chhana toast, Khirmohan and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.1.1.3 Fermented milk products based Sweets

Includes sweets prepared using appropriate cultures to ferment the milk at specific temperature and for specific duration along with other ingredients.

18.1.1.4 Other composite milk products based Sweets

Includes those milk-based sweets which are a mix of milk and other ingredients and does not fall under any of the above defined categories. For example- Rice Kheer, Firni, Makhana kheer, payasam, and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.1.2 Cereal or pulses flour/starch based Sweets

Includes Indian sweets containing cereal and/or pulses flour, starch or grain as the main ingredient.

18.1.2.1 Cereal based Sweets

Cereals (including millet) or starch-based sweets and starchy pudding based desserts, cereal based desserts and may contain sugar or artificial sweetener, wheat flour, edible vegetable oil, ghee, spices and other ingredients. Includes Jalebi, Suji halwa, tapioca halwa, Modak, Malpua, Ghewar, Gur shakkar para, Paotharekulu, Ariselu/Arsa/Adhirasam), Gujiya/Kajjikaya, puran poli/bobattu, Gud papdi/Gol papdi, Balu shahi, Gavvalu, Shankarpali, and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.1.2.2 Pulses based Sweets

Includes pulses (legumes and lentils) or pulses flour/starch based sweets and may contain sugar or Artificial sweetener, wheat flour, edible vegetable oil, ghee, spices and other ingredients. Soan papdi, moong halwa, Mysore pak, Patisa, besan laddoo, motichoor ladoo, chana dal burfi, Sunnundalu, boondi laddoo, moong dal halwa, Gud chana and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.1.3 Dry Fruit and nuts based Sweets

These are the products prepared from dry fruits, viz and may contain sugar, jaggery and nuts, ghee, and other ingredients. Examples include Kaju katli, kaju barfi, Badam burfee, Badam Halwa, Pista halwa, Pista- Badam Halwa and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.1.4 Indian confections

These are the products prepared from sugar, jaggery and may contain dry fruits, nuts like peanuts, ghee, and other ingredients. Examples include Chikki, Gajjak, Til kut barfi, Til rewari and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.1.5 Fruit and Vegetable based Sweets

Includes sweets made from fruits and vegetables (roots and tubers also) and may contain sugar or Artificial sweetener, wheat flour, edible vegetable oil, ghee, spices, sesame seeds and other ingredients. Examples include- Petha (Dry, angoori, Kalam, kesar), Gajar halwa/Gajrela, Gajar pak, Gajar burfee, Lauki halwa, Coconut burfee and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.2 Indian Snacks & Savouries Products

Indian snacks also known as Namkeens are the products originating from Indian heritage and culture and are prepared using a single or mixture of number of ingredients and may be available in various forms.

18.2.1 Cereal or pulses flour/ Starch based Snacks & Savouries

Includes all savoury snacks, with or without added flavourings prepared from cereal or pulses (legumes and lentils) and/or their flour or starch, and may contain other ingredients like potatoes, salt, sugar, edible vegetable oil, dry fruits, vegetable, peanuts, spices and condiments, nuts and seeds as per the intended use of the product.

Example includes Bhujia, bundia, Channa Jor Garam, Papads, khari, kara, murukku, namakpara, chiwda, palakayalu, ribbon or thattupakoda, dalmoth or mixtures, soya nuts, nimki, fali (e.g. cholafali), uppuseedai, appam, bhel-mix, Sev, Sev fried Dal, Gathiya, shankarpali, farsan, Kachori, kurmura, murmura, papadi, crisps, chakli, Chiwda, Poha, Kheel etc. Also, includes namkeen mix/mixtures like khatta- meetha, cornflake mix, navratan mixture etc. and similar products sold by any other name.

18.2.2 Fruit and vegetable based Snacks & Savouries

Include namkeens made from fruits and/or vegetables and may contain other ingredients like salt, sugar, edible vegetable oil, dried fruits, peanuts, spices and condiments, nuts and seeds as per the specific product. Examples include- Banana chips, Potato based aloo Bhujia, Aloo chips, cassava chips and other similar products sold by any other name.

18.2.3 Dry fruits and nuts based Snacks & Savouries

Includes all types of snacks prepared from whole nuts, and nut mixtures, either in-shell or shelled, salted or unsalted and may contain sugar, edible vegetable oil, ghee, spices and condiments, herbs and seeds as per the specific product.

18.2.4 Ready to eat and Ready to cook products

Include snack/savoury products not included in the above sub-categories of the category Indian namkeens (18.2). These products are mixtures of multiple components (e.g., cereal and/or pulses flour, sauce, grain, vegetables, fruits and other ingredients as per the specific products; the components are included in other food categories. These products require minimal preparation by the consumer (e.g., heating, thawing, dehydrating), It also includes mixes/premixes of such Indian products like Instant mixes such as pongal mix, pullyogare mix, vada mix, etc. Examples include pav- bhaji, ready-to-eat dishes, biryani curried rice and similar products sold by other names.

Source : FSSAI

FSSAI Operationalises the Revised Standards for Honey

2020-07-09T11:57:00.000+05:30

FSSAI Operationalizes the Revised Standards for Honey

9-July-2020

Through a notification dated 1 July 2020 the FSSAI has issued directions for the operationalization of the revised standards for honey in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additive) Amendment Regulations, 2019.

Standards for honey had been notified on 31 July 2018 and subsequently there was a revision for the parameter for pollen count and deletion of parameters for specific marker for Rice Syrup (SMR), Trace marker for Rice Syrup (TMR) and Foreign oligosaccharides on 29 October 2019.

However, based on the approval of Food Authority on the method of detection of 2-Acetylfuran-3-Glucopyranoside (2-AFGP)/3-0-Alpha-D-Glucosyl Isomaltol, the specific marker for Rice Syrup (SMR), LC-MS the parameter specific marker for Rice Syrup (SMR) was reinstated through a notification dated 5 June 2020.
Further, The Scientific Panel on Methods of Sampling and analysis in its 28th Meeting held on18 June, 2020 has recommended the method for determination of Foreign Oligosaccharides in Honey. Hence, it has been decided to reinstate the parameter Foreign Oligosaccharides also in the standards of Honey.

Besides the above reinstatement of parameters, the FSSAI has also included some other revisions in the standards of Honey amendment regulations, which are in the process of being notified. The process of draft notification, considerations of comments, if any that may be received thereon and the finalization of these regulations are likely to take some time. Meanwhile, in order to address the trade issue particularly on adulteration, it has been decided to operationalize these amendment regulations as given below.

This direction will supersede the earlier directions issued on 29.10.2019 and 05.06.2020 as and will come into force with immediate effect. However, in respect of the provisions, other than the parameters and limit thereof as prescribed under the item (V) of enclosed amendment regulations, the compliance shall commence after six months from the date of issuance of this direction.

The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additive) Amendment Regulations, 2020 on revision of standards for Honey as given hereby have been operationalised with immediate effect. The concerned Food Business Operators shall now follow these regulations.

However, in respect of the provisions, other than the parameters and limit thereof as prescribed under the item (V) ‘parameters and for honey’ of these amendment regulations, the compliance shall commence after six months from the date of issuance of this direction.

In the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, in regulation 2.8 relating to Sweetening agents including Honey, in the sub-regulation 2.8.3 related to Honey and its by-products the definition (Clause (1) of honey has been amended to the following

(1) Honey is the natural sweet substance produced by honey bees from the nectar of plants or from secretions of living parts of plants or excretions of plant sucking insects on the living parts of plants, which the bees collect, transform by combining with specific substances of their own, deposit, dehydrate, store and leave in the honeycomb to ripen and mature.

a) Blossom Honey or Nectar Honey is the honey which comes from nectars of plants.
b) Honeydew Honey is the honey which comes mainly from excretions of plant sucking insects (Hemiptera) on the living parts of plants or secretions of living parts of plants.

The Table (V) Honey shall comply with the following requirements has been amended and the parameters and limits will be now as follows.

The item (vii and (Viii) in the clauses of regulation honey and its by-products shall be replaced with the following

(vii) In addition to the labelling provisions as given in the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, the following specific provisions shall be applicable for labelling of honey:

(a) Honey shall be labelled as:

Honeydew Honey – If the product complies with the definitions given in part 1 (i) of this standard

Blend of Honeydew Honey and Blossom Honey – If the product is mixture of Blossom or Nectar Honey and Honeydew honey

CarviaCallosa Honey – If the honey is derived from flower of Carviacallosa plant which is described as thixotropic and is gel like extremely viscous when standing still and turns into liquid when agitated or stirred.

(b) If the honey is obtained by pressing brood-less combs, honey shall be labelled as “Pressed Honey”. If honey belongs to any of the categories mentioned at a) above and also falling into the category of pressed honey, it shall be labelled as “Pressed Honeydew Honey” or “Pressed and Blend of Honeydew Honey and Blossom Honey” or “Pressed CarviaCallosa Honey”.

(viii) Honey may be labelled as follows, according to floral or plant source, if it comes from any particular source and has the organoleptic, physicochemical and microscopic properties corresponding with that origin. It shall be in addition to the labelling requirements as given at vii) above:

Monofloral Honey – If the minimum pollen content of the plant species concerned is not less than 45 percent of total pollen content;
Multi Floral Honey – If the pollen content of any of the plant species does not exceed 45 percent of the total pollen content;”

A new clause (ix) has been added to Honey and its by products which is as follows

(ix) The said standards are applicable to packaged/ processed honey.”

FSSAI Notice for Carrying out Surveillance on use of Stapled Tea Bags

2020-07-08T09:46:00.000+05:30

FSSAI Notice for Carrying out Surveillance on use of Stapled Tea Bags

Through a notice dated 29th June 2020,the FSSAI has asked the concerned authorities to carry out surveillance on the manufacture and import of stapled tea bags.

The FSSAI had taken cognizance of the risk to public safety, posed from any loose staple pins being consumed inadvertently with their tea, as this could cause serious health hazards. In this regard the FSSAI had issued directions on 18 July, 2017 for discontinuation of the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of stapled tea bags which was to be effective from 1 January, 2018. However, based on the representations received from industries and food business operators, seeking extension of date for compliance of these directions, the implementation of this direction was further extended to 30 June 2019 vide an order dated 15 November, 2017.

Through an order dated 25 January 2019, the FSSAI had communicated that any further extension on the use of stapled tea bags beyond 30 June 2019 would be considered on a case by case basis subject to the following conditions

Extension of time may be given based on the firm commitment from the FBOs with proper proof to change over within a specified time.
FBOs in the tea bag manufacturing business were to submit their plans to the FSSAI for the change over to the new system by procuring new machines or modifying the existing machines.

Accordingly based on the roadmap received for the complete switchover to staple less tea bags the FSSAI allowed time line to 16 FBOs to manufacture tea bags with staple pins up to 31 December 2021 and such tea bags are permitted to be sold in the domestic market up to 31 December 2023 only.

The FSSAI has observed that a number of FBOs manufacturing staple tea bags have either not sought extension of timeline for compliance or have not responded to further queries raised by FSSAI with regard to their proposal for migration from stapled tea bags to staple-less tea bags.

In view of the above the FSSAI has now requested the Commissioners of Food Safety of all States and UTs and Central Licensing Authorities to carry out surveillance on the manufacture and import of stapled tea bags in their respective areas of jurisdiction.The action taken report in this regard has to be also be communicated to the FSSAI.

source

FSSAI Operationalises the Revised Standards for Honey

2019-11-03T15:30:00.003+05:30

Through a notification published on 29 October 2019 the FSSAI has operationalized the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations 2019 related to the revision of standards for honey.

FSSAI framed the draft Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2019 related to the revision of standards of Honey with regard to parameters for Pollen count, Specific marker for Rice Syrup (SMR), Trace marker for Rice Syrup (TMR) and Foreign oligosaccharides.

The FSSAI has stated that the draft regulations are in the process of being notified and the process of draft notification, consideration of comments if any that may be received thereon, and the finalization of these regulations are likely to take some time. Meanwhile, to address the issue of the Food Business Operators to comply with the present standards of honey with respect to the parameters mentioned above, the FSSAI has decided to operationalize these regulations with immediate effect.

The revised standards for honey that have been operationalized for honey are as follows.

Notice for operationalization of draft Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2019

These regulations may be called the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2019.
In the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, under regulation 2.8 “Sweetening Agents including Honey”, in sub-regulation 2.8.3 relating to Honey and its by-products, the limits for pollen count was given as 25000 but the parameter for pollen has been amended to the following limits.

12.

Pollen count and plant elements/g, Min.

5000

The parameters for the following have been omitted in the revised amendment.

Specific marker for Rice Syrup (SMR)
Trace marker for Rice Syrup (TMR)
Foreign oligosaccharides

Download the Direction dated 29th October 2019

FSSAI Advisory on Labelling Defects of Health Supplements and Nutraceutical Products

2019-09-30T08:13:00.000+05:30

Through an advisory dated 18 September 2019, the FSSAI has drawn attention to certain labelling defects on packaging of Health Supplements and Nutraceutical products. The advisory has been sent so that both food manufacturers as well as FSSAI officials can keep a check to ensure that the labelling is accurate.

The FSSAI has received reports that some food products including Nutraceuticals and Health Supplements products that have gelatine/gelatin shells or which contain ingredients of animal origin are depicting a green dot on their labels. The green dot logo is a mark that declares these products as vegetarian products. Therefore, marking such products as vegetarian is in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 2011, which mandates application of the veg/no-veg logo on pre-packed food products according to their contents. The above-mentioned labelling shall therefore, be considered as misbranding and labelling defects.

It may be noted that all the food products falling under the category of Nutraceutical/Health Supplement shall have to comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceutical, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016 as well as the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation, 2011, failing which they will attract penal provisions under FSS Act, 2006.

In view of the above the FSSAI has requested Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/ UTs, FSSAI Authorised Officers and the Central Licensing Authority to initiate enforcement drives so as to keep a check on the sale of such food products in all states and which are in contravention with FSS (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation, 2011. They have also been advised to initiate appropriate action against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per the provisions laid down under FSS Act,2006, and Rules and Regulations made thereunder.

FSSAI makes it mandatory for Food Safety Audit of Food Business falling under high risk category.

2019-09-14T09:09:00.002+05:30

Order dated 13th August 2019 relating to Mandating food safety audit of Food Businesses holding Central License and falling under high risk categories of food businesses under the Food Safety and
Standards (Food Safety Auiditing) Regulations, 2018
[Updated on:09-09-2019

Download the Order dated 13.8.2019

New FSSAI bamboo guidelines bring clarity on use in spoons, fork, cups

2019-09-12T09:07:00.001+05:30

Wednesday, 11 September 2019, 08: 00 AM [IST]

Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi

The apex food regulator, FSSAI, has issued guidelines for using bamboo as food contact material, these need to be followed in manufacturing, handling and using of bamboo items such as spoons, fork, knife, straw, stirrer, and cups.

The advisory issued by FSSAI says that the Scientific Committee on Food Additive, Processing Aids and Material in Contact with Foods and Scientific Panel on Biological Hazards have examined the safety aspects of the food contact material manufactured from bamboo and observed that there is no reported literature available regarding contamination of food from use of such utensils made from bamboo.

The advisory states, “Their use as food contact materials if manufactured and maintained under hygienic conditions are safe.”

The guidelines say that the final products manufactured from bamboo shall comply with the minimum requirement such as the tools should have a smooth surface free from dirt, off-odor and coloration, free from chemical contaminants and microbial pathogens. They must be durable and reusable having a good shelf life.

The advisory also adds that the advertisement of such tools shall not mislead the consumers and shall be consistent with the actual composition of the products.

FSSAI has further directed the manufacturers of bamboo food contact items that such material shall be manufactured and handled under hygienic conditions so as to prevent any physical, chemical and microbial contamination. And it should only be made from edible bamboo varieties and shall not contain any material in combination with bamboo while it should be disinfected in salt, neem and boiling water.

The advisory says that good hygiene practices shall be followed at each and every step of manufacturing, handling, and storage of these food contact materials.

source

FSSAI planning to have presence in more entry points, especially ports

2018-12-22T15:51:00.001+05:30

Saturday, 22 December, 2018, 08 : 00 AM [IST]

Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi

With matter related to food safety taking centre stage in the country, and people getting more and more aware about the subject, the role of FSSAI and its presence is gaining importance.

In fact, in recent times, the apex food regulator has made its intention clear to increase its presence particularly at the ports from where the food is imported into the country.

FSSAI operates through five regional offices in the country in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Guwahati. Further it has import offices at six locations across the country that cover 20 ports of entry.

However there are 396 such entry points across the country where the FSSAI has allowed Customs officials to handle the food.

CEO FSSAI Pawan Agarwal says that the apex food regulator is planning to have its presence in more points of entry, which is currently under Customs. He informed, “We are reviewing our placements across the ports in the country and we wish to place more of our men on some of these ports currently managed by the Customs.”

Not only this, FSSAI may consider making specific ports exclusive for the purpose of entry of food. This, however, the CEO says would only be possible if there was unanimity among the stakeholders.

“We’re open to this idea that selective ports should be reserved exclusively for food imports. However, the matter is subjected to acceptance by all the stakeholders and it shouldn’t be a cause of inconvenience for anybody,” he said.

Sanctioning of 500 posts Further, recently the FSSAI has got its recruitment rules notified and sanctioning of 500 new posts, mostly technical which now has raised the total posts close to 900.

These, however, certainly are not enough for a huge country like India but are seen as a breakthrough and FSSAI is hopeful that in future more human resources would be added to its fold.

Experts feel that India is a large country with massive and unorganised food and hospitality sectors. The demand for manpower in FSSAI offices across all the states is justified on the grounds of ensuring public safety mainly.

But comparing India with other countries in terms of manpower and financial resources, India is well below international benchmarks, both in overall and per capita terms. India has a population base of over 1,252 million compared to base of approximately 324 million, 36 million, 64 million and 4.75 million vis-à-vis other major countries like USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland respectively.

The annual budget allocated to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (principal organisation for administering Food Standards) is merely $8.2 million approximately which is quite low compared to annual budget of $1.5 billion, $650 million, $106 million and $16.7 million of counterpart organisations in USA, Canada, the UK and Ireland respectively.

source