The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and healthy food for Indian consumers. They regularly update their regulations to keep pace with evolving food safety concerns and industry trends. As a food business operator (FBO) in 2024, staying informed about these updates is critical for compliance and smooth operations.
This blog dives into the latest FSSAI regulations and their impact on different types of food businesses.
Recent FSSAI Regulation Changes:
- “100% Fruit Juice” Claim Removal (June 4th, 2024): FSSAI has cracked down on misleading claims of “100% fruit juice” on labels and advertisements of reconstituted fruit beverages. These products often contain added sugar, water, and other ingredients, making the “100% fruit juice” claim inaccurate. This regulation particularly impacts juice manufacturers and retailers who need to reformulate labels and marketing materials.
- New Kind of Business (KoB) for Direct Sellers (July 16th, 2024): Recognizing the growing direct selling industry, the FSSAI has introduced a new KoB category for “Direct Sellers” under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 (FoSCoS). This streamlines the licensing process for direct sellers dealing with food products.
- Draft Regulations Re-operationalization (June 5th, 2024): The FSSAI has revived draft regulations for specific food categories:
- Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals
- Food for Special Dietary Use
- Food for Special Medical Purpose
- Prebiotic and Probiotic Food
- Labelling and Display Amendments (Non-retail containers, Minimally processed food, Tolerance limits)
These draft regulations, once finalized, will bring stricter labelling requirements and quality control measures for these specialized food segments. Food businesses in these categories should closely monitor the developments and prepare for potential compliance changes.
Impact on Different Food Businesses:
- Restaurants and Food Service Establishments: The “100% fruit juice” regulation directly affects restaurants and cafes that offer packaged or freshly squeezed juices. They need to ensure their labelling accurately reflects the ingredients and avoid misleading claims. Additionally, the revived draft regulations for “Food for Special Dietary Use” might impact restaurants catering to customers with specific dietary needs.
- Manufacturers and Processors: The juice regulation significantly impacts juice manufacturers. They need to reformulate products or adjust their labelling to remove the “100% fruit juice” claim if it’s inaccurate. Additionally, manufacturers of health supplements, nutraceuticals, and specialized food products should stay updated on the progress of the draft regulations and adapt their practices accordingly.
- Direct Selling Companies: The new KoB for direct sellers simplifies the licensing process for companies dealing with food products. This streamlines operations and reduces compliance hurdles for direct sellers in the food sector.
Staying Informed and Compliant:
Here are some tips for FBOs to stay informed and compliant with the latest FSSAI regulations:
- Regularly visit the FSSAI website (https://fssai.gov.in/) and check the “Recent What’s New” and “Advisories/Orders” sections.
- Subscribe to FSSAI notifications and updates.
- Consult with a food safety consultant for guidance on specific regulations and compliance requirements.
- Attend industry workshops and seminars on FSSAI regulations.
The FSSAI’s commitment to food safety necessitates continuous adaptation for food businesses. By staying informed about the latest regulations and their implications, FBOs can ensure compliance, build consumer trust, and operate their businesses smoothly. Remember, this blog provides a general overview, and it’s crucial to consult the official FSSAI website and seek professional guidance for specific regulations and compliance strategies.