FSSAI Calls for Inter-Ministerial Committee to Address Pesticide Concerns
One of the major highlights of the meeting was the proposal to establish inter-ministerial committees at the state level to address concerns related to pesticide use. These committees will work towards reducing pesticide application, implementing effective control measures, and monitoring pesticide usage at the farmer level. The aim is to ensure that agricultural practices are safe and sustainable, protecting consumers from potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in food.
FSSAI Withdraws Prior Advisory On Misleading A1-A2 Milk Product Claims
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an order withdrawing its warning against misleading claims made by e-commerce food businesses selling milk and milk products labeled as “A1” and “A2.” FSSAI has notified its decision to withdraw the advisory, pending further consultation and engagement with stakeholders.
Clarification On Misleading A1-A2 Milk Claims
FSSAI has instructed FBOs to immediately remove all A1 and A2 claims from their milk and milk products such as ghee, butter, curd, etc. and websites. E-commerce platforms are also required to ensure that their sellers adhere to this directive.
Food Testing Labs Urged To Exercise Caution In Uploading Reports On FICS Portal
The advisory highlights concerns regarding inadvertent mistakes made by laboratories while uploading test reports of import samples, which can lead to delays in the clearance of consignments. The FSSAI has directed laboratories to adhere to specified guidelines.
FSSAI Launches Project to Address Microplastic Contamination in Indian Food
The initiative aims to develop standardized methods for detecting microplastics in various food products and assess their prevalence in India. The project, launched on August 18, 2024, will involve collaboration with leading research institutions across the country. The findings will help FSSAI formulate effective regulations and safety standards to protect public health
Deadline Extended For Selling Reconstituted Fruit Juices as 100% Fruit Juice
The earlier deadline of September 1, 2024, has been pushed to December 31, 2024, in response to requests from industry stakeholders. Additionally, products manufactured before the new deadline can be sold until their shelf life expires.
Sugar And Spice But Everything’s Not So Nice
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has taken notice of a Public Interest Litigation emphasizing the need for clear and interpretive labels that indicate the levels of sugars, salt, and saturated fats in food products. The PIL underscores the critical public health issue posed by the increasing prevalence of NCDs, such as diabetes and heart disease, which are significantly linked to unhealthy food consumption.
Extended Validity of Non-Food Production Units Collecting Used Cooking Oil
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has extended the validity of the provisional enrollment for 50 Non-Food Production (NFP) units involved in collecting used cooking oil (UCO) from food business operators (FBOs). The extension will be valid until July 31, 2025, or until state-specific registration mechanisms are established as per the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas guidelines.
FSSAI Reverses Order on Used Cooking Oil (UCO)
FSSAI has once again mandated that cooking oil with a TPC value above 25% should not be topped up with fresh oil. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn its earlier order that had removed bar on mixing fresh oil with used cooking oil with a Total Polar Compound (TPC) value above 25%.
FSSAI Warns Against Use of Non-Standardized Ingredients in Fruit Juices
The advisory highlights the concern over the use of ingredients like ‘Deionized apple juice concentrate’, which is not permitted under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations. FBOs have been directed to obtain approval for such non-specified food ingredients under the FSS (Approval for Non-Specific Food and Food Ingredients) Regulation, 2017.
