The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2020

The FSSAI on 23^rd June, 2020 notified the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2020. These Regulations are effective from 27^th July, 2020 and must be complied by the Food Business Operators by 1^st January, 2021.

The Amended Regulations provide for the following changes:

1. The Regulations now clarify that in relation to ‘Microbiological Standards for Milk and Milk Products’ the Microbiological Standards in Table-2B (Food Safety Criteria) define the acceptability of a batch or lot. These Standards must be met at the end of the manufacturing process of the product or during their shelf- life, if on the market.
2. Similarly, the same standard will be applicable to ‘Microbiological Standards for Fruits and Vegetables and their Products – Food Safety Criteria’ in Table 4B and ‘Microbiological Standards for Meat and Meat Products– Food Safety Criteria’ in Table 5B.
3. In relation to the Sampling Plans and Guidelines, the Regulations now prescribe that a set (n) of five samples shall be tested from three different accredited laboratories. The final decision shall be based on the three test results. There will be no provision for retesting or re-sampling for microbiological testing.
4. The Amended Regulations also prescribe that in relation to Reference Test Methods, test methods prescribed in FSSAI Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods (Microbiological Testing) may also be referred along with the IS/ISO methods specified for Process Hygiene Criteria and Food Safety Criteria.

Click here to read the Amendment.