FSSAI ropes in US-based Decernis for online access to global food standards

Tie up will help FSSAI to access database of over 70,000 standards from over 170 countries

Last Updated : Apr 13 2017 | 3:02 PM IST

Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has roped in the US-based Decernis Ltd to get access to database of over 70,000 standards for food additives (colorants, flavours & sweeteners), food standards (for example, beverages, cacao, dairy & health claims), food contact and contaminants (such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, veterinary drugs & chemicals) from over 170 countries.

As per the agreement, Decernis will facilitate access to various international regulations through a user-friendly online platform. This global database can be searched by any substance or topic (for example, ‘Sweeteners and Syrups’) and text search. This database will facilitate in process of standards setting as the system will provide a single platform to search for international regulations which will enable the Scientific Panels in understanding the global standards and also benchmarking Indian regulation to international standards. The database will also be of immense help in the risk assessment.

Under the agreement, FSSAI has agreed to provide Decernis, the notices of new draft and final regulations. Decernis will integrate Indian draft and final standards into its systems to improve the understanding and compliance of users. FSSAI will also assist in occasional client questions regarding the regulations of food standards, food additives, food contact substances, contaminants and pesticide residues.

“As per the Good Regulatory Practices, international practices are required to be taken into account, while framing the national standards or guidelines. This module would help FSSAI in accessing various regulations and practices followed globally,” said Pawan Agarwal, CEO FSSAI.

Kevin Kenny, COO, Decernis, added, “Cooperation with FSSAI will improve safety for the food production supply chain, which will ultimately benefit consumers. Food compliance across borders, languages and cultures can be remarkably complex, and government-industry cooperation such as this represent another step toward improving global food safety.”

Decernis provides research and information systems to support global product safety compliance in food, beverages, consumer and industrial products. Decernis has thousands of users worldwide and maintains a research program covering more than 170 countries to help companies manage global regulatory compliance across the entire supply chain. It clients include governmental agencies, raw material manufacturers and downstream manufacturers, processors as well as laboratories and law firms.