Draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2024
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, specifically focusing on pesticide residues. The term “insecticide” has been aligned with the definition provided in the Insecticides Act, 1968. The use of pesticides or insecticides directly on food articles is generally restricted. However, fumigants registered under the Insecticides Act are exempt from this restriction.
FSSAI and BFDA Discuss Implementation of Food Safety Agreement
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) held a bilateral meeting with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) on the sidelines of the Global Food Regulators Summit. The focus of the meeting was on implementing the “Agreement” signed between India and Bhutan in March 2024.
FSSAI and Brazil’s MAPA Sign MoU to Enhance Food Safety Cooperation
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) of Brazil. This collaboration aims to strengthen food safety measures and promote bilateral cooperation in the sector.
Government Urges Edible Oil Associations to Maintain MRP Amidst Duty Changes
Associations have been advised to maintain the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of edible oils until stocks imported at lower duties are depleted. The government has raised Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on various edible oils to support domestic oilseed farmers.
Government Removes Export Restrictions on Onions And Extends Import Period for Yellow Peas
The Central Government has announced changes to the export policies for onions and import policies for yellow peas. These policy changes aim to facilitate trade and ensure adequate supply of these commodities in the domestic market.
Plant Quarantine Requirements For Import Of Citruses, Berries and Stone Fruits
This Order has introduced revised the additional declarations required to be incorporated into Phytosanitary Certificate and Special conditions of import of fruits for consumption from Australia. These fruits include Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, mandarins, etc. and other Rutaceous, Blue berry and Cranberry and Stone fruits.
FSSAI and Bhutan Food and Drug Authority Sign Agreement for Food Exports
The agreement recognizes the BFDA’s official control over food business operators (FBOs) in Bhutan as equivalent to FSSAI’s requirements. BFDA will issue a health certificate to Bhutanese FBOs as proof of compliance with FSSAI regulations. Indian importers can obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) based on the health certificate issued by BFDA for approved food consignments.
Centre Revises Wheat Stock Limit
As part of its ongoing efforts to moderate wheat prices, the central government has announced revisions to the existing stock limits for various entities. All entities storing wheat are mandated to register on the dedicated wheat stock limit portal and update their stock positions every Friday. Failure to register or exceeding the prescribed stock limits will result in punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Entities exceeding the new limits have 15 days to comply.
Puducherry’s New Minimum Wage Notification: What You Need to Know
On September 2, 2024, the Government of Puducherry issued a significant notification concerning the revision of minimum wage rates for employees across various occupations in the Union Territory.
FSSAI Notifies Laboratory for Testing of Prohibited Substances in Sports Supplements
FSSAI has accredited CERANS, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to conduct tests for prohibited substances in food for sportsperson under the discipline of ‘Chemical-Nutritional Supplement’. Enforcement authorities can now utilize CERANS for testing ‘Food for Sportsperson’ products to ensure they are free from WADA-prohibited substances.
