FSSAI Notifies NABL Accredited Laboratories for Analysis of Food Samples
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has modified its list of laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). These laboratories are notified for the purposes of carrying out analysis of food samples taken in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry
The scheme consists of three components: incentivizing manufacturing in four food product segments (Ready to Cook/ Ready to Eat foods; Processed Fruits & Vegetables; Marine Products; and Mozzarella Cheese), promoting Innovative/Organic products of SMEs, and incentivizing branding and marketing abroad for promoting Indian brands in the global market.
Warning Statement to be Included on ‘Pan Masala’
As per directions dated 22nd May, 2023, Pan Masala must have a declaration that “The warning statement must cover 50% of front-of-pack of the label”. The enforcement of this requirement is deferred for a further period of 6 months from 1st November, 2023.
PM Formalization of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme” launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with an outlay of Rs.10,000 Crore supports 2 lakh micro food processing enterprises following One District One Product (ODOP) approach
The scheme is operational for a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Crore for supporting 2 lakh micro food processing enterprises.
Draft Honey Grading and Marking Rules, 2023
These rules mark a significant step towards ensuring the quality and safety of honey in the market, providing consumers with transparent information about the products they purchase and consume. The regulations aim to bolster consumer confidence and elevate the standards of honey products available in the market.
Reactivation of Auto-Rejected FSSAI Licensing/ Registration Applications
This facility will be available to those FBOs (Food Business Operators) whose applications were auto-rejected because they did not respond to the queries of the authorities within the stipulated time. This procedure will streamline the process of reactivation of auto-rejected applications. It will reduce waiting time for the approval of authorities in handling request for reactivation of auto-rejected applications.
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.