FSSAI warns against Misleading Ghee or Butter Products in the Market
The FSSAI has issued a notice warning that action must be taken against FBOs selling misleading ghee or butter products in the market. The FSSAI has reiterated that where a product is milk/ milk product/ composite milk product, an FBO cannot label it as a milk/ milk product/ composite milk product. The authority also emphasises that ghee/ butter cannot be claimed to be vegan foods and the use of vegan food claim and vegan logo are only permitted after the prior approval of FSSAI.
Food Safety and Standards (First Amendment) Rules, 2022
The amendment provides that the designated Officer under the rules shall be a whole time Officer, not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Officer or equivalent and shall possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s or Doctorate degree in Science with chemistry as one of the subjects or shall possess at least one of the educational qualifications prescribed for the Food Safety Officers under these rules or who has possessing not less than five years of experience as Food Safety Officers or has not less than seven years combined experience as Food Safety Officer and Food Inspector of which minimum four years as Food Safety Officer after commencement of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
FSSAI issues identity standards for Basmati Rice
These standards specify various identity and quality parameters for basmati rice such as average size of grains and their elongation ratio after cooking; maximum limits of moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective/damaged grains and incidental presence of other non-basmati rice etc.
Draft guidelines on Halal certification for the export of meat and its products
The comments on the draft guidelines may be sent to moc_epagril@nic.in by February 17, 2023.
FSSAI CEO reviews Food Safety Ecosystem of Telangana
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) inspected the status of food safety ecosystem including surveillance, food testing infrastructure, implementation of Eat Right India initiatives, manpower etc. in the state of Telangana. A press release to this effect was issued by the FSSAI on 17th January, 2023.
FSSAI mandates upload of Lab Test Reports by Manufacturers, Re-packers and Re-labellers
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a notification requiring manufacturers including re-packers and re-labellers to upload or link mandatory Lab Testing Report on FoSCoS. The aim of this requirement is to ensure the production and delivery of safe food. The chemical and/or microbiological testing may be carried out through the FBO’s own lab or through an NABL accredited /FSSAI notified lab.
FSSAI permits Import of High-Risk Food Products at Specific Ports
FSSAI has considered several comments received from the stakeholders on its import control system. FSSAI seeks to create a robust import control system in the country. Hence, FSSAI has decided that the import of the specified items will be permitted through only 79 designated ports which are directly manned and managed by FSSAI
FSSAI permits Instant Renewal of Food Licence or Registration
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an order on instant renewal of license/ registration. The Order was issued on 11th January 2023. The Order seeks to streamline the licensing and renewal process. Hence renewals of licence/ registration will be granted instantly.
GOI establishes Multi-state Cooperative Organic Society under Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002
The Govt. of India has set up a national level cooperative society for organic products under the Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. This was publicised in a press bulletin issued by the Public Information Bureau dated 11th January, 2023. The establishment of the Committee aims at providing thrust to organic products from cooperative sector by acting as an umbrella organisation for managing various activities related to the organic sector.
Escalation matrix for raising grievances/queries related to FSSAI Central Licenses/Applications
The Central Licensing Authorities (CLA) has been appointed. FBOs can utilize the prescribed escalation matrix in case they are aggrieved by the decision taken by CLA
