food regulatory body FSSAI enacts new rules: prohibited food label declarations & heightened inspections enforcement
Revamped Food Safety Rules in India
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) recently unveiled new regulations targeting food packaging, marketing, and on-ground food handling practices. The goal? Improving food safety, fostering transparency, and promoting an eco-friendly food industry.
Ditching Deceptive Health Claims
FSSAI has bid farewell to over 100 bogus health claims on food labels. No more "100% safe" or "cures diseases" jargon for manufacturers - such claims are now deemed unscientific and misleading. Any health-related claims must be fully substantiated with scientific evidence.
No More Hidden Secrets: Honest Labelling is a Must
Under the new regulations, all packaged foods will be required to display a clear and readable list of ingredients, allergens, nutritional information, and additives. Food companies will also cease hiding facts using confusing graphics, exaggerated health badges, or deceptive language. Expiry dates, storage instructions, and FSSAI license numbers will also be mandatorily mentioned on labels.
Random Inspections to Keep the Industry Clean
FSSAI will now conduct surprise inspections across food outlets and supply chains, including warehouses for packaged foods, online grocery centers, and various eateries like bakeries, restaurants, and cloud kitchens. These checks will guarantee that hygiene standards, storage conditions, and food handling practices meet national safety regulations.
Tightening the Licensing Rope for High-Risk Foods
FSSAI is stepping up its licensing game for businesses dealing with high-risk food products like infant food, baby formulas, meat, seafood, dairy, health supplements, and nutraceuticals. These businesses will be subjected to stricter inspections and regular audits to maintain their licenses.
What's In It for Everyone
For the Consumers:
Expecting a better selection of products with clearer labels and fewer empty health guarantees.
For Food Businesses:
Be prepared for rigorous compliance with labelling laws. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, suspensions, or revocation of licenses.
These new regulations aim to deliver quality goods, clearer labelling, and reduce the spread of false health claims. For food manufacturers, sticking to the law is no longer a choice but a necessity. Adapt and prosper!
- In the realm of business, food manufacturers must now substantiate any health-related claims with scientific evidence, as the FSSAI has deemed unscientific and misleading claims unacceptable under the revamped food safety rules.
- As part of the new regulations, all packaged food products will be required to display a clear list of ingredients, allergens, nutritional information, and additives, thus ending the practice of hiding facts using deceptive language or graphics.
- Beyond inspecting traditional food outlets, the FSSAI will now conduct surprise inspections on various eateries like bakeries, restaurants, and cloud kitchens, as well as online grocery centers and warehouses, to ensure that these establishments adhere to strict health and business standards, particularly for high-risk food products such as infant food, meat, seafood, and health supplements.
