FSSAI Re-operationalizes Food Safety Licensing Amendment Regulations, 2021
The Food Safety And Standards Authority Of India (FSSAI) had first introduced an amendment titled Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2018. FSSAI, by the present notice dated July 19, 2024, has issued a direction re-operationalizing this amendment regulation.
Iron-Fortified Foods To No Longer Include Warnings
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has omitted the specific label warning for people with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia for iron-fortified food products. This change was brough about based on a review by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
Health Cards and Inspections: Kerala’s Recent Actions
In a proactive move to safeguard public health, Kerala’s Health Minister has issued a stern directive regarding the mandatory health cards for employees in food establishments across the state.
FSSAI Introduces a new Kind of Business (KoB) for Direct Sellers under FoSCoS.
On July 16, 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced a new Kind of Business (KoB) for Direct Sellers under FoSCoS. This new KoB differentiates between Retailers and Direct Sellers.
FSSAI Issues New Labeling Rules
On July 6, 2024, the FSSAI approved an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Key points include:
Enhanced Display: Total sugar, salt, and saturated fat must be displayed in bold and larger font on food labels.
RDA Information: Percentage contributions to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for these nutrients must also be shown in bold.
Regulatory Specifications: Regulations 2(v) and 5(3) outline the requirements for serving size and nutritional information.
Fresh Updates To List Of Notified And Referral Laboratories Testing Fortified Rice Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has once again revised its lists of notified and referral laboratories authorized to test the nutrient content of fortified rice products. FSSAI permits these laboratories to analyze samples of Fortified Rice (FR), Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Vitamin-Mineral Premix for FRK for iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9.
Hide Not Thy Poison Within My Food
The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of the widespread issue of food adulteration in the state. This suo motu action sets a strong precedent for addressing food adulteration, a significant public health concern. The court’s directives call for stricter enforcement, improved infrastructure, and increased public awareness.
Fast Food and Even Faster Licensing With New Tatkal Option
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a new program for quicker licensing and registration of food businesses. Inspired by the “Tatkal” system for faster passport issuance, this program allows instant licenses or registrations for specific food businesses. It operates through FSSAI’s online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
Government Launches New Initiatives To Enhance Healthcare & Ease of Doing Business in India
Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare have unveiled three significant initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services and promoting ease of doing business in India. These initiatives include a virtual National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) assessment for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM); a dashboard which will help national, state and district health institutions and facilities in quickly monitoring compliance with respect to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and taking actions accordingly; and a spot food licence and registration initiative for food vendors.
FSSAI Seeks Public Input on Food Testing Manuals
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is inviting public comments on Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Metals and Minerals and Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Sweets & Confectionary including Sweetening Agents. Interested parties can submit comments and suggestions by July 30, 2024.
