Deadline Extended For Selling Reconstituted Fruit Juices as 100% Fruit Juice
The earlier deadline of September 1, 2024, has been pushed to December 31, 2024, in response to requests from industry stakeholders. Additionally, products manufactured before the new deadline can be sold until their shelf life expires.
Sugar And Spice But Everything’s Not So Nice
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has taken notice of a Public Interest Litigation emphasizing the need for clear and interpretive labels that indicate the levels of sugars, salt, and saturated fats in food products. The PIL underscores the critical public health issue posed by the increasing prevalence of NCDs, such as diabetes and heart disease, which are significantly linked to unhealthy food consumption.
FSSAI Notifies Additional NABL Accredited Laboratories In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has modified its list of laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). It has notified two more laboratories for food sample analysis in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Hide Not Thy Poison Within My Food
The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of the widespread issue of food adulteration in the state. This suo motu action sets a strong precedent for addressing food adulteration, a significant public health concern. The court’s directives call for stricter enforcement, improved infrastructure, and increased public awareness.
Fast Food and Even Faster Licensing With New Tatkal Option
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a new program for quicker licensing and registration of food businesses. Inspired by the “Tatkal” system for faster passport issuance, this program allows instant licenses or registrations for specific food businesses. It operates through FSSAI’s online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
FSSAI Seeks Public Input on Food Testing Manuals
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is inviting public comments on Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Metals and Minerals and Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Sweets & Confectionary including Sweetening Agents. Interested parties can submit comments and suggestions by July 30, 2024.
FSSAI Proposes Streamlined Food Import Clearance Fee
The Basic Food Import Clearance Fee (BFICF) would replace existing fees with a single, standardized charge of Rs. 8400 + applicable GST per Bill of Entry (BoE). This fee would cover the cost of visual inspections, laboratory testing, and other processes required by the FSSAI. An individual Importer will pay a uniform basic fee amount to FSSAI for individual BoE, irrespective of the fact whether the same is referred by ICEGATE for FSSAI scrutiny procedure or not.
FSSAI Notifies Additional NABL Accredited Laboratories for Western and Southern Region
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has added to 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.
FSSAI Strengthens Measures to Remove Unsafe Food from Market
If a primary lab report finds a sample unsafe, the FSSAI directs Designated Officers (DOs) or Central Licensing Authorities (CLAs) must prohibit the Food Business Operator (FBO) from selling the unsafe food product, and must initiate food recall in specified cases. Such timely removal of unsafe food products is vital for safeguarding public health.
FSSAI Notifies NABL Accredited Laboratories for Western and Southern Region
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.
