Tata Starbucks stops use of ingredients not approved by FSSAI

Tata Starbucks on Monday said it has suspended the use of ingredients not approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The company also said it was "diligently" working to provide technical information relating to its "pending ingredient applications" which the food safety authority has requested for.

"In line with the FSSAI guidelines, while we finalise the documentation necessary to complete these applications, Tata Starbucks has initiated the suspension of applicable ingredients from certain products served in our India stores," the company said in a statement.

"At the same time, we have initiated our plans for using other FSSAI-approved ingredients that meet Starbucks global standards and enable us to continue offering our range of beverages.

"These actions ensure that we are able to continue delivering the unique Starbucks experience to our customers without disruption," the statement said.

The company said although it was suspending the use of some of the imported "globally standardised ingredients" in India, these are considered to be safe and meet the safety standards in over 65 countries where it operates.

"We are committed to complying with the regulations in every market we operate in," said the company, a joint venture between Tata Global Beverages Limited and Starbucks Coffee Company.

Last week, the Indian food regulator had put out a blacklist containing at least 32 ingredients from the beverage chain which were stated to be not approved by the FSSAI.