The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales ) Regulations, 2011. The proposed changes focus on removing restrictions on conditions of sale of sal-seed fat. This draft amendment was issued on October 4, 2024.
The FSSAI is proposing to delete the sub-regulation that currently states that no person shall sell sal-seed fat for any other purpose except for bakery and confectionery and it shall be refined and shall bear a label declaration.
What is sal-seed?
Sal seeds come from the sal tree (Shorea robusta). The fat extracted from the tree is commonly used in the food and cosmetic sectors, serving as a key ingredient in products like oil, soap, and cocoa butter equivalents.
In the confectionery industry, sal fat is valued for its ability to enhance the texture and flavor of chocolate. Additionally, its unique properties make it suitable for tanning processes and the production of vanaspati ghee.
Public Input
The FSSAI has invited comments and suggestions on these draft regulations. Interested stakeholders can submit their feedback by December 5, 2024. This feedback shall be provided on FSSAI’s e-platform for comments in the prescribed format.
