Celebrating 60 Years of Codex Alimentarius: FSSAI and FICCI Organize Seminar
The seminar consisted of two panel discussions on the future of Codex and the imperative to enhance capacity for greater Codex participation in the coming decade. India’s engagement in Codex activities were also recognized, with achievements such as hosting the Codex committee on spices and culinary herbs, co-hosting various sessions on food hygiene and contaminants, and chairing and co-chairing working groups within the Codex system.
FSSAI publishes Updated List of Recognised Food Testing Laboratories
The present list includes the validity of the laboratories’ NABL accreditation, scope of testing as on 26th October, 2023 for the purpose of carrying out the analysis of food samples taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations made thereunder.
Inclusion of QR Codes on Food Products for Accessibility by Visually Impaired Individuals
FSSAI suggests that one effective means of facilitating easy access to nutritional information for visually impaired individuals is to incorporate Quick Response (QR) codes on product labels. These QR codes should include product details such as ingredients, nutritional information, allergens and their warning, manufacturing date, best before/ expiry/ use by date and contact information for customer inquiries.
Products with S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) are not considered as Food Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stated that the ingredient/ product with S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) is not considered as food. It has directed that all products containing this compound as an ingredient alone or in combination with other ingredients should not be available in the market under an FSSAI licence.
FSSAI Launches Eat Right Creativity Challenge for Millets on World Food Day 2023
The “Eat Right Creativity Challenge for Millets” nurtures creativity and also fosters a deeper understanding of the importance of millets in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is expected to contribute significantly to the broader goal of improving public health and nutrition across India.
FSSAI distributes Food Safety ‘Magic Boxes’ to Promote Food Safety Education among Young Students
This initiative promotes food safety education and seeks to foster a generation of informed and health-conscious individuals, as well as emphasises the importance of millets in diets. The Food Safety Magic Box is specifically designed to ignite curiosity among students and empower them to distinguish between safe and unsafe food.
Advisory on Import of Food Consignment for 100 Export/Re-export purpose
Food imported by manufacturers or processors for their captive use or for production of value-added products for 100% export/ re-export can avail the benefit of an exemption from import clearance. To do so, a declaration in form 8 must be made at the time of filing Bill of Entry (BoE) in ICEGATE.
FSSAI publishes list of Notified Laboratories for Testing of Fortificants
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a list of notified laboratories for testing of fortificants in fortified rice products such as Fortified Rice (FR), Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) and premix for Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK). These laboratories will be testing fortificants comprising of iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9.
FSSAI cancels PAN India Surveillance of Food Products Tender
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced the cancellation of the tender for “PAN India Surveillance of Food Products.” This decision comes as a result of administrative considerations.
No Protein Binders Allowed in Milk and Milk Products
While protein binders have gained prominence as essential ingredients in the production of various food products, especially semi-solid or solid foods, FSSAI’s stance underscores the potential negative impact on the digestibility of bound proteins.
