FSSAI Reconstitutes Key Scientific Panels
The revised composition applies specifically to the Scientific Panels on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Food Contact Materials (SP-01), Genetically Modified Organisms and Foods (SP-04), Sweets, Confectionery, Sweetener, Sugar and Honey (SP-16), and Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, Dietetic Products and Other Similar Products (SP-05). The FSSAI has clarified that this order only supersedes the earlier orders with respect to the composition of the four specifically mentioned Scientific Panels. The composition of other Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee remains unchanged.
FSSAI Upgrades Food Packaging Material to “Critical” in Inspection Checklists
The new checklist requires that packaging material used shall have Certificate of conformity issued by NABL accredited laboratory against the FSS (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. Inspectors will check for records of this conformity certificate during inspections.
FSSAI to Hold Stakeholder Meeting on Proposed Food Safety Standards
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a stakeholder meeting to discuss proposed new food safety standards and amendments to existing regulations. The meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi. For those unable to attend in person, the FSSAI has provided an online platform through Webex. Stakeholders are requested to confirm their attendance, whether physical or online, to help with logistical arrangements.
FSSAI Amends Packaging Regulations On Recycled PET in Food Packaging
Products made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) may be used for packaging, storing, carrying or dispensing of food products as and when standards and guidelines are notified by the Food Authority and such packaging materials shall comply with national standards or regulations as applicable to such materials.
NIFTEM Kundli Recognized as National Reference Laboratory for Fortified Foods
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially recognized the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Kundli, Haryana, as a National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for fortified foods. NIFTEM Kundli, located in Sector 56, Sonipat, Haryana, will now serve as a key national reference point for all matters related to the testing and analysis of fortified foods.
Four Food Testing Labs Suspended by FSSAI for Six Months
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken strict action against four food testing laboratories, suspending their operations for a period of six months with immediate effect. This decision comes as per Regulation 10(2) read with clause (iii) of Regulation 10(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (Recognition and Notification of Laboratories) Regulations, 2018.
Government to Establish 100 New Food Testing Labs to Boost Food Safety Nationwide
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) will financially support the establishment of 100 new National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited food testing laboratories in the upcoming financial year 2025-26. The announcement was made on March 22, 2025 by the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries.
FSSAI Intensifies Efforts to Ensure Safe and Wholesome Food for Consumers
As per the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, adherence to Sanitary and Hygienic requirements, based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP), is mandatory for all licensed Food Business Operators (FBOs). Violations of these requirements can lead to punitive action under the FSS Act, 2006.
FSSAI Releases List of Recognized Food Testing Laboratories with Accreditation Validity
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a public notice providing an updated list of recognized food testing laboratories. This list includes the validity of their National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation as of March 18, 2025.
FSSAI Clarifies Testing Standards for In-Shell Nuts in Notified Labs
All FSSAI-notified food testing laboratories are instructed to test all in-shell nut products solely against the standards for dry fruits and nuts outlined in sub-regulation 2.3.47 (5) of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
