FSSAI Extends Deadline For Annual Returns Of FY 2023-2024
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notification extending the deadline for submission of annual returns by manufacturers and importers for food business activities. FSSAI has decided to extend the timeline for filing annual returns from May 31, 2024 to June 30, 2024. This applies to the annual return for financial year 2023-2024.
Extension of FSSAI-NABL Integrated Assessment Timeline and Accreditation Requirements
FSSAI has emphasized that FSSAI-notified laboratories who do not yet possess accreditation under the FSSAI-NABL Integrated Assessment Scheme must apply for NABL accreditation within three months. Failing to comply with this notice will lead to administrative actions against defaulting laboratories.
Updated List of Notified and Referral Laboratories for Testing Fortified Rice Products
Only laboratories on the FSSAI’s approved list can be used for testing fortified rice products. Labs must maintain valid accreditation status. Businesses can verify accreditation on the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) website before sending samples for testing.
FSSAI Cracks Down on Misleading “100% Fruit Juice” Claims
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to immediately remove “100% fruit juice” claims from labels and advertisements of reconstituted fruit juices. Products must mention “reconstituted” for reconstituted juices and “Sweetened juice” if added nutritive sweeteners exceed 15 gm/kg.
Mizoram Ramps Up Efforts to Contain African Swine Fever Outbreak
A complete ban has been imposed on importing live pigs, fresh pork, and all pork products (including frozen) from other states and countries. The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department will enforce mandatory disinfection of pig farms and implement strict hygiene protocols. Additionally, suspected pigs will be isolated.
FSSAI Warns Against Sale of Human Milk and Milk Products
The FSSAI has categorically emphasized that it has not authorized the processing or sale of human milk under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) and its associated regulations. The FSSAI emphasizes that all activities related to the commercial sale of human milk and its products must cease immediately. Violators risk legal action under the FSS Act.
SOP For +F Endorsement Certificate Revised
FSSAI has created a specific list of approved products in FoSCoS. This list defines which processed food products can be legally fortified under the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Food) Regulations 2018 and the 2020 amendments.
FSSAI Alerts Fruit Traders to Ensure Compliance with Prohibition of Calcium Carbide in Fruit Ripening
In case any use of Calcium Carbide or any wrong practice of using ripening agents for artificial ripening of fruits is noticed by the consumers, the same may be brought to the notice of concerned State Commissioners of Food Safety for taking action against such violators. The details of the Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs are available on the link.
Food Businesses Get More Flexibility in License And Registration Modifications
FSSAI has introduced a new feature in the FoSCOS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. This allows FBOs to cancel a pending modification application and submit an updated one with the latest changes.
Tea Board Publishes NABL Accredited Laboratories Under Integrated Assessment Scheme
The Tea Board has just released its latest list of laboratories approved for its Integrated Assessment Scheme. This list has been updated as of April 24, 2024.