Label Rectification for Imported Foods Allowed in Customs Bonded Warehouses

The FSSAI has taken this decision to facilitate a smoother import process for food items while maintaining stringent quality standards. The office order emphasizes that these modifications are introduced to strike a balance between facilitating trade and ensuring the safety of imported food into India.

Steviol Glycoside Not Permitted in Cocoa and Chocolate Products

As per this communication, it is clarified that ‘steviol glycoside (INS 960)’ is currently not permitted for use in ‘Cocoa and Chocolate products’ and ‘Imitation chocolate, chocolate substitute products’ under the existing Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Regulations, 2011. FBOs are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this regulation, refraining from manufacturing and/or selling such products in the market and on e-commerce platforms.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables To Be Monitored for Pesticides

FSSAI has once more urged the authorities to keep a strict vigil on Food Business Operators engaged in manufacturing, repacking, and selling fresh, surface-treated, and minimally processed fruits & vegetables. Authorities shall undertake surveillance/ enforcement measures at regular intervals in a planned manner.

Decrease in Application Fees for Vegan Logo Endorsement

As per this order, the application fees has been decreased from INR 25,000/- (inclusive of GST) per applied product, to INR 10000 per application. The new fees are applicable per application, irrespective of the number of products for which the endorsement is sought. This will reduce the financial restrictions on manufacturers of vegan food products and encourage a greater amount of FBOs to obtain Vegan Logo Endorsements.

Standards of Vitamin and Mineral Premix for FRK

The intent behind this interim operationalisation is to strengthen national-level fortification programme and its implementation. Hence, the standards relating to limits of micro nutrients in the vitamin and mineral pre-mix in FRK have been operationalised.

New Guidelines On Sampling Of Fortified Rice Products

The main goal of these guidelines is to establish a standardized method of sampling to guarantee fair and valid procedures. This is crucial, especially when FRKs, FR and Vitamin Mineral Premix for FRK are subjected to testing for compliance with predefined commodity standards.

India Discusses Trade in Food Products in Bilateral Meeting with Greece

Both sides acknowledged the strategic importance of each other to foster food security. India as one of the largest producer of Agri Food and Brazil as one the largest exporter of food can work towards ensuring food security for the world. Brazilian side highlighted that the bi-lateral trade between the two countries has expanded by 32% to US$15.2 billion in 2022.

The two sides discussed synergies and exploring possibilities in further collaboration and co-ordination in the food processing sector particularly in terms of exchange of goods and human resource. Both sides agreed to continue to work in partnership with each other to facilitate even greater exchange of goods and ideas.