India Elected to Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission
As a member of the Executive Committee, India will not only have a significant say in international standard-setting for various food product categories but will also actively participate in decision-making processes. India has also been recognised by FAO for being the host country secretariat for Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs and its contribution to codex.
FSSAI Bans 20 Pesticides & Issues Testing Directives
This move by FSSAI reinforces the commitment to protecting public health by actively monitoring and regulating the use of pesticides and contaminants in the food supply chain. These regulatory measures serve to bolster confidence in the nation’s food safety ecosystem.
BIS Revises Standards for Food Processing and Engineering of Pneumatic Tools and Machines
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised certain standards for Package Units, Coffee Seed Storage, Methods for Sensory Evaluation, Hygienic Conditions for Sugar Factories and Preferred Pressures for Pneumatic Tools and Machines. This notification was published on November 30, 2023. All of these standards have been established on November 21, 2023.
FSSAI Releases Updated List of Accredited Laboratories for Testing Fortificants in Fortified Rice Products
This announcement reinforces FSSAI’s commitment to maintaining stringent quality control measures in the fortification of rice products. The revised list of approved laboratories marks another step in the direction of enhancing transparency and accountability in the fortified food sector.
Establishment of Hi-tech Dairy Plant in Namakkal
A hi-tech dairy plant with a production capacity of two-lakh liters per day will soon be set up in the district. The main objective of the scheme is to ensure livelihood and economic upliftment of milk producers in Namakkal district.
FSSAI Surveillance Drives Against Adulteration of Cinnamon with Cassia
Commissioners of Food Safety of States/UTs and the Central Licensing Authorities of FSSAI are urged to conduct a comprehensive market surveillance drive. The objective is to scrutinize the prevalence of malpractices, both in whole and powdered forms of these spices, in their respective jurisdictions.
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.
Extension in Deadline for Submission of Proposals under PMKSY
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) has issued an extension in the deadline for submission of proposals under Prime Minister Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). The new deadline has been fixed as 5pm on December 15, 2023.
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.
