The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an order reducing the required sample quantity for imported Vitamin D2 to 50 grams. This change addresses concerns raised about the previous requirement of 500 grams, considering Vitamin D2’s high cost. This order was issued on December 19, 2024.
Previously, under the Food Safety and Standards (Laboratory and Sample Analysis) Regulations, 2011, Vitamin D2 was classified under “food not specified,” requiring a 500-gram sample. Following representations from stakeholders, the FSSAI has revised this requirement.
New Sampling Procedure
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.
The FSSAI has reiterated the provision in Regulation 9(9) of the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulation, 2017, which states that:
“On the sample being found to be safe, the remaining sample shall be returned to the food importer.”
Therefore, the second 25-gram portion of the sample will be returned to the importer after testing is complete and the product is deemed safe.
Benefits of the Change
- The significant reduction in sample size from 500 grams to 50 grams will substantially lower costs for importers of Vitamin D2.
- This change minimizes the amount of valuable ingredient used for testing, reducing potential wastage.
- The revised sampling procedure is expected to facilitate smoother trade of imported Vitamin D2.
