FSSAI Clarifies on Display of Information in Restaurants
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued clarifications in respect of declarations of calorific value, allergen, nutritional information, etc. Food service establishments are required to make these declarations on their menu cards, or boards or booklets.
FSSAI Cracks Down on Pesticide Use in Delhi Markets
FSSAI has launched an extensive awareness program targeting major markets. The campaign prioritizes educating market associations and traders about the dangers of pesticide residue, primarily in fruits and vegetables. It also emphasizes the importance of testing these products.
Tea Board Offices To Be Closed on Election Days
The memorandum states that zonal, regional and sub-regional offices of the Tea Board will be closed on the respective dates of polls of the concerned Parliamentary/Assembly constituencies in which those offices are situated. This is in view of the upcoming 18th General Elections to the House of the People (Parliamentary Elections) along with Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha & Sikkim.
FSSAI Seeks Public Input on New Food and Water Testing Manual
Before finalizing the manual, FSSAI seeks feedback from stakeholders like food businesses, scientists, and consumers. Comments and suggestions must be submitted by May 4, 2024.
FSSAI To Upskill Food Handlers in Government Offices
FSSAI has begun training food handlers at State/UT Bhawans (guest houses) and canteens in government office buildings. This training covers vital aspects like food safety regulations, hygiene practices, allergen management, and food handling procedures.
FSSAI Cracks Down on E-commerce Misleading Consumers with “Health Drink” Labels
FSSAI discovered that certain e-commerce websites were mis-categorizing “Proprietary Food” products (like dairy or cereal-based beverage mixes) as “Health Drinks” or “Energy Drinks.” E-commerce platforms must immediately remove or de-link these miscategorized beverages from the “Health Drink” and “Energy Drink” sections.
North vs. South: The Battle for India’s Tea Export Throne
In general, there seems to be a slight decrease in the quantity of tea exported from all of India in 2023 compared to 2022. However, the value of tea exports from all of India increased slightly in 2023 compared to 2022. Additionally, South India appears to have made up for the decrease in exports from North India in 2023.
Tea Board Releases Latest Estimates on Tea Production in February 2024
There was a slight increase in tea production in February 2024 compared to February 2023. India produced an estimated 16.6 million kilograms of tea in February 2024, as compared to 16.55 million kilograms produced in February 2023. Moreover, the increase of production in south India has been attributed to increased tea production in Tamil Nadu.
FSSAI Urges Further Vigilance in Food Sale During Festival Season
The government has emphasized the need for stringent monitoring of food items commonly consumed during the festive period. These include samvat rice, buckwheat whole & flour (kuttu atta), chestnut whole & flour (singhara atta), fruits, vegetables, dry fruits & nuts, milk & milk products, and ready-to-eat savories like potato chips and sabudana namkeen mix.
BIS Revises Standards for Microbiology Tests of the Food Stuff
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised certain standards for microbiology tests of the food stuff. These notifications were published on March 21, 2024. These standards have been established on March 15, 2024. The previous versions of these standards shall stand withdrawn on April 14, 2024.
