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 Seeks To Increase Maximum Content Of Esters In Fruit Wines
The present draft amendment specifically seeks to enhance the maximum content of esters expressed as ethyl acetate (g/l of absolute alcohol). However, this enhancement is restricted to fruit wine other than grape wine. The level has been increased from 2.0 g/l of absolute alcohol to 3.0 g/l of absolute alcohol. The level of esters expressed as ethyl acetate for all other wines remains unchanged.
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 Mandates Use of Approved Test Methods For Testing Fortificants In Fortified Rice Products
The Authority has urged all FSSAI-approved food testing laboratories to use specific FSSAI-approved methods when testing iron, vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), and vitamin B12 in fortified rice (FR), fortified rice kernels (FRK), and vitamin-mineral premix for FRK. Laboratories with existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on FSSAI methods have four months, ie.. till October 11, 2024, to officially include these FSSAI methods in their accredited scope.
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.
Draft Food Products Standards and Food Additives Amendment Regulations, 2024
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. It has issued two draft notifications published on June 6, 2024. The draft amendments introduces changes in several the existing regulations.
FSSAI Issues Updated List of Recognized Laboratories for Food Analysis
The list specifies a total of 206 FSSAI Notified NABL Accredited Food Testing Laboratories with valid accreditation. Additionally the list also specifies, 33 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. The continual validity of these laboratories is also dependent on compliance with FSSAI’s guidelines and directives.
FSSAI Extends Re-operationalization Of Food Safety Standards (Labelling and Display) Amendment Regulations 2022
FSSAI has re-operationalized the provisions of these draft amendment regulations with effect from January 01, 2024. The draft amendment regulations contemplate labelling requirements of the non-retail container, minimally processed food, tolerance limit, warning statement related to pan masala, etc.
FSSAI Extends Operationalization of Food Safety and Standards Nutraceuticals Regulations, 2022
The FSSAI has re-operationalised the FSS Nutraceuticals Regulations, 2022 and the direction permitting the use of certain additives and enzymes in health supplements from January 1, 2024. It has also decided to permit the use of additives and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Table as per Codex in all categories and across all formats.
