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.

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.