FSSAI CEO Urges Increased Food Safety Inspections In Tamil Nadu
The CEO emphasized the need to prioritize inspections of establishments deemed to pose a higher risk to public health. He also discussed the progress of developing Healthy and Hygienic Food Streets across the state, urging officials to expedite the process so these public food hubs can open as soon as possible.
India Aims for 10,000 GI Tags by 2030
Stressing the importance of better branding for GI products, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry urged for collaboration with regulatory bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure superior quality and authenticity.
FSSAI Ensures Food Safety at Maha Kumbh 2025
In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration, FSSAI has deployed 10 Mobile Food Testing Labs (Food Safety on Wheels) across the Maha Kumbh area. A total of 56 Food Safety Officers (FSOs), including five Chief Food Safety Officers (CFSOs), are stationed across the grounds. Regular inspections are conducted at hotels, dhabas, and food stalls within the Mela premises to verify food quality.
FSSAI Sets July 1st as Annual Enforcement Date for Labeling Amendments
Starting from 2025, any changes to labeling regulations will come into effect on July 1st of each year. A minimum of 180 days’ notice will be provided from the date of notification of the amendments. This applies to amendments under the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations and any labeling changes specified in other FSS Regulations.
National Turmeric Board Launched to Boost Golden Spice Industry
The National Turmeric Board will provide leadership, enhance existing efforts, and facilitate coordination with government departments and agencies related to the turmeric sector. This focused approach aims to capitalize on the vast potential for expanding turmeric and turmeric product trade, particularly given the growing recognition of its health benefits.
Conclave in Hyderabad Focuses on Pandemic Preparedness and Animal Vaccine Innovation
Prof. Dr. Vinod K Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog, inaugurated the conclave and emphasized the critical need to bolster veterinary infrastructure to effectively combat future pandemics. The Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, called for increased investment in animal health to improve productivity and enhance supply chain and cold chain systems for effective last-mile delivery of vaccines. The Animal Husbandry Commissioner, stressed the importance of ensuring vaccine security and pre-qualification for animal vaccines.
FSSAI Appoints Two New Central Food Safety Officers for Eastern Region
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has announced the appointment of two new Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) for the Eastern Region. This announcement comes via a notification issued on January 2, 2025, amending the principal notification published on September 2, 2021.
DGFT Amends Handbook of Procedures for Import of Tea, Spices, and Coconut Oil
The export obligation period for items covered by Chapter 9 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC(HS)] and coconut oil has been extended from 90 days to 6 months from the date on which the first import consignment is cleared by Customs Authorities. The export obligation period for imported spices used for value addition (VA) purposes like crushing, grinding, sterilization, or the manufacture of oils and oleoresins of pepper, cardamom, and chillies has been extended from 120 days to 6 months from the date of importation of the first consignment.
Food Authority Announces New Timeline for Labeling Regulation Compliance
The FSSAI has set a standard enforcement date of July 1st for amendments related to the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, as well as any labeling changes specified in other FSS Regulations. This date is subject to a minimum of 180 days from the date of official notification of the amendments. The Authority has also stipulated that in emergency situations, the implementation and enforcement timeline may be decided on a case-by-case basis.
FSSAI Mandates Quarterly Reporting on Rejected and Expired Food Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a new provision requiring quarterly submission of data by FSSAI-licensed food manufacturers, including repackers, relabellers, and importers. The move is aimed at ensuring transparency in the handling of non-compliant food items and preventing their potential misuse. Concerns have been raised about such products being repackaged or sold under the guise of cattle feed, posing risks to public health.
