FSSAI Proposes Amendments to Food Additives Standards
The proposed draft regulations now specify the fatty acid composition of milk fat extracted from milk and milk products, excluding composite milk products. A new standard for Haleem, a popular dish made with meat, lentils, and wheat, has been proposed. The definition of Mixed Masala Powder has been updated to include garam masala as a possible ingredient.
FSSAI Proposes Amendments to Food Import Regulations
The FSSAI is proposing to update the methods of analysis used for testing imported food samples. While the Authority’s manuals will remain the primary reference, food laboratories will now have the flexibility to adopt validated methods prescribed by internationally recognized organizations. Additionally, it is also proposed that the director of notified laboratories or referral laboratories can be the authorised signatory on analysis reports.
FSSAI Removes Restriction On Conditions of Sale of Sal-Seed Fat
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. Interested stakeholders can submit their feedback by December 5, 2024.
FSSAI Waives Registration Fees for Hawkers
Effective September 28, 2024, hawkers will no longer be required to pay registration fees under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Hawkers will receive a registration certificate valid for five years, eliminating the previous option to choose a shorter duration.
FSSAI Seeks Feedback on Ayurveda Aahara Compendium
The compendium is based on recipes found in 71 authoritative Ayurveda texts, as defined by the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022. Before finalizing the compendium, the FSSAI is inviting comments, views, and suggestions from stakeholders. All comments and suggestions must be submitted by October 31, 2024.
FSSAI Publishes Draft Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues Regulations
FSSAI seeks to revise limits of metal contaminant, crop contaminants and naturally occurring toxic substances and antibiotics. The draft amendment regulations also modify the table for total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B1 in oilseeds and oils. Additionally, they introduce a new entry for saffrole in the table for naturally occurring toxic substances.
FSSAI Publishes Latest List of Accredited Food Testing Laboratories
The list specifies a total of 219 FSSAI Notified NABL Accredited Food Testing Laboratories with valid accreditation. Additionally the list also specifies, 25 FSSAI notified laboratories whose NABL accreditation validity has expired or are under suspension or under process of denotification or have shifted premise without Integrated assessment.
FSSAI Clarifies Testing Fee Reduction for Pan-India Surveillance
The FSSAI has now clarified that the reduction applies exclusively to surveillance activities undertaken by the QA Division of FSSAI HQ. It does not extend to surveys conducted under the National Annual Surveillance Plan (NASP) or any other regular surveillance programs implemented by states or union territories.
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.
