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.
FSSAI Re-operationalizes Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2021
FSSAI hasissued a direction on re operationalising draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations 2021 from November 11, 2023. These amendment regulations cover licensing procedures for e- commerce food businesses, documentation requirements for new restaurant licenses, and hygiene standards for all food operators. Food Business Operators have to follow these regulations and Improvement notice may be issued to them for compliance with schedule 4.
FSSAI Issues Advisory On Unauthorized Use Of Liquid Nitrogen In Food Serving Establishments
FSSAI has noticed unauthorized use of liquid nitrogen in food establishments, which is not permitted under current regulations. Although nitrogen is allowed in specific food categories, using liquid nitrogen directly at the point of serving is against regulations and considered as non-compliance. Any violations will lead to statutory action under the FSS (Food Safety and Standards) Act, 2006.
FSSAI Extends Deadline For Annual Returns Of FY 2023-2024
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notification extending the deadline for submission of annual returns by manufacturers and importers for food business activities. FSSAI has decided to extend the timeline for filing annual returns from May 31, 2024 to June 30, 2024. This applies to the annual return for financial year 2023-2024.
