India Proposes Revised Food Product Standards

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December 9, 2020Chanyanis UtiskulBlog

On 27 October 2020 the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published in the Official Gazette a 2020 draft notification proposing revised standards for various food products regulated under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The proposed revisions include an addition of new standards for various food items and the revision of permitted food color additives in beverage products.  

The (Draft) Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2020 (2020 draft amendment regulations) are available for comments until  26 December 2020. 

Verisk 3E Review

The 2020 draft amendment regulations propose to update and add new product standards (e.g., ingredient composition and contaminants) as well as requirements for color additives permitted in food products. A summary of key changes follows:

Addition of new food standards include the following new items:

  • Raw edible oils
  • Multigrain atta and wheat flour (atta) with other grain flour
  • Mixed millet flour
  • Dried sweet basil leaves
  • Hemp seeds and seed products

Updated standards for these existing products: 

  • Coconut oil
  • Blended vegetable oil
  • Honey and honey products
  • Jam, fruit jellies, and marmalades
  • Protein-rich (paushtik) atta

The 2020 draft regulations also propose new labeling standards related to honey products and products containing artificial sweeteners (i.e., aspartame and acesulfame-K). A specific requirement is proposed for the labeling of honey products obtained from a particular plant or floral source. These requirements have been proposed in addition to those regulated by the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011

For permitted food additives, the 2020 draft regulations seek to:

  • Remove Tatrazine (yellow #5) as a permitted color additive in water-based flavored drinks, including "sport," "energy," or "electrolyte" drinks, and carbonated fruit beverages. 
  • Add a new specific requirement for iced tea and iced tea mix. No color additives are to be allowed in such products.

Verisk 3E Analysis

Once adopted and implemented, various food products will be affected and must conform to the revised provisions. The regulations are proposed to take effect either 1 January 2021 or 1 July 2021, subject to a minimum of 180 days from the date of their final publication in the Official Gazette.

Objections or suggestions, if any, may be mailed to:
Chief Executive Officer
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
03rd Floor
Food and Drug Administration Bhawan
Kotla Road
New Delhi - 110002 

 








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