Page 2 - Food Safety

FSSAI ask states, UTs to boost efforts against obesity, support PM's call

A key highlight of the discussions was the recent directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to establish 'sugar boards' in schools

Responsibility on food firms to pack micronutrients, says FSSAI chief

FSSAI on Tuesday directed all states and UTs to intensify inspections and launch special drives against the use of illegal fruit ripening agents, synthetic colours, and non-permitted wax

FSSAI directs states to curb synthetic colouring, carbide use on fruits

FSSAI has asked states to inspect fruit mandis and storage units for illegal ripening agents like calcium carbide and unsafe colouring; violators to face legal action under FSS Act

UP extends food biz licence deadline to May 31, warns of strict action

The Uttar Pradesh govt has extended its campaign for food business registration and licensing till May 31, but warned of strict action against defaulters

India slaps 20% export duty on parboiled, milled rice for food safety

A 20% export duty on parboiled and milled rice kicks in May 1, 2025, as India aims to secure food stocks and regulate rice trade amid inflation worries

FDA to crack down on fake paneer, cheese substitutes in Maharashtra

The Food and Drug Administration Department is taking strict action against those using fake paneer or cheese analogues (culinary replacements), Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal said on Saturday. In a statement, he said licences of those involved in trade and sale of fake food products will be cancelled. "Paneer is a favourite food item and has a huge demand in the market. Paneer is especially popular among children. However, the Food and Drug Administration has found in its investigation that consumers are sometimes being cheated by using fake paneer or cheese analogue," he said. "Action will be taken against such paneer sellers who mislead consumers. Action will be taken as per Food Safety and Standards Act," he said. According to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display Regulations) Rules 2020, it is mandatory to display information about all the ingredients and nutritional values of food sold to the consumers. Restaurants, hotels, ...

Packaged food horror stories from India: Rodents in syrup, frogs in wafers

World health day: 4 in 10 Indian households have reported purchasing infested packaged food in the past three years, reveals a new survey that paints a worrying picture of food safety in the country

Food inflation continues to play spoilsport for FMCG sector: Kantar report

The per household average spend in the urban market recorded a 13% jump in a year to reach Rs 6,761 this Oct quarter

FSSAI mandates quarterly reporting of expired, rejected food items

Food safety regulator FSSAI has ordered licensed food manufacturers and importers to submit quarterly data on rejected and expired food items through its online compliance system FOSCOS to prevent their resale for human consumption. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directive, issued on December 16, also applies to repackers and relabellers. The new reporting requirements cover three key areas: quantity of products failing internal quality testing or inspection; volume of expired or returned products from the food supply chain; and detailed records of product disposal, including destruction, auction, or alternative use, with specific buyer and waste disposal agency information. The move is aimed at preventing rebranding and resale of expired and rejected food items for human consumption under the guise of cattle feed. This initiative will enable real-time tracking of rejected or expired goods and their subsequent disposal or auction for non-human consumption

FSSAI asks states to enhance surveillance in warehouses of e-com operators

Food regulator FSSAI on Thursday asked state authorities to increase surveillance in warehouses of e-commerce operators and issue standard operating procedures (SoPs) for delivery personnel to ensure safe food to consumers. According to an official statement, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) held its 45th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting here on Thursday. In the meeting, States and Union Territories were urged to ramp up surveillance at popular tourist destinations to ensure heightened safety standards in preparation for the peak tourist season from November through March. Keeping in mind the high footfall of both domestic as well as international tourists at popular destinations during the season, States/UTs were advised to utilize Food Safety on Wheels Mobile Labs at these tourist spots. FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao asked "Food Commissioners of various states to step up surveillance on warehouses and other facilities utilised by e-commerce ...

Fssai to meet on Nov 7-8 to discuss food safety issues on e-com platforms

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will hold meeting of its Central Advisory Committee (CAC) on November 7-8 to discuss food safety issues on e-commerce platforms among others challenges. The meeting, to be held under the chairmanship of FSSAI's CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao, will see participation of food commissioners from all states/Union Territories or their representatives. According to sources, the CAC meeting will be held on November 7-8 to discuss various issues, including how to strengthen surveillance and testing of food products across all states to ensure food safety. The CAC will also discuss measures to be adopted to ensure sale of quality food products on e-commerce platforms, they said. The committee will discuss this issue amid reports of sale of food products nearing expiry on e-commerce platforms. Sources said FSSAI is likely to call a meeting of big e-commerce players next week to ensure food safety. As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Govt examining mandatory product disclosures by quick commerce firms

The government is verifying mandatory disclosures on packaged products sold through quick commerce companies, a senior government official said on Tuesday, signalling potential regulatory action against non-compliant firms. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare told reporters the government is examining whether these companies are adhering to the Legal Metrology Act, which requires disclosure of key product information. "We are examining mandatory disclosures on packaged products sold via quick commerce companies," Khare said. The act mandates that packaged goods sold both online and offline must display information including maximum retail price, expiration date, weight, manufacturer details, and consumer grievance addresses. Khare indicated that the Consumer Affairs Ministry may take action against quick commerce companies found to be in violation of these disclosure requirements. The move comes as quick commerce gains popularity in India, with companies promising ultra-fast ..

FSDA collects ten food samples from Mathura markets for testing purpose

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Mathura has collected 10 samples, including kuttu (buckwheat) and singhara (water chestnut) flour, from various markets for testing. An official said further action will be taken following the test results. Assistant Commissioner (Food) Dharmendra Pratap Singh said the collection was part of efforts to ensure food quality during the festive season. "On Monday, the team gathered samples from markets at Govardhan Chauraha, Dhauali Pyau, and Kosi Kalan," he said Singh said the samples included two of sabudana (tapioca pearls) from Amar Colony near Govardhan Road, one of ghee from Radha Valley Colony, one of paneer from Basant Vihar Colony, and two of mustard oil from Dhauali Pyau and Sarai Shahji Kosi Kalan. "Additionally, samples of munakka (dried grapes) and kuttu flour were also collected," he added. The 10 samples have been sent to the laboratory for analysis. Upon receiving the reports, appropriate legal actions will be taken un

Maldives 1st Lady visits FSSAI office, discusses aspects of food standards

First Lady of Maldives Sajidha Mohamed on Monday visited the office of food regulator FSSAI and discussed key aspects of food safety standards. According to an official statement, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had the honour of welcoming Sajidha Mohamed, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and her delegation for a meeting held at FSSAI headquarter in the national capital. During the meeting, Sajidha Mohamed had an "engaging interaction with India's contact point for the Codex Alimentarius Commission, discussing key aspects of food safety standards and regulatory frameworks." The First Lady was apprised of the laboratory ecosystems established by FSSAI to ensure the highest standards of food safety across the nation. She mentioned that it will be "beneficial for Maldives to have a collaboration with India on improving food safety standards of the Maldives." As part of the meeting, FSSAI arranged a brief demonstration of its flagship initiative, Food Sa

Andhra govt launches SIT probe into alleged Tirupati laddoo adulteration

YSRCP leaders are advocating for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation to ensure impartiality in the Tirupati laddoo row

Decoded: FSSAI takes U-turn on week-old notice on 'A1', 'A2' milk products

The regulator stated that the advisory dated August 21, 2024, issued regarding the subject cited, has been withdrawn for further consultation with stakeholders

Nearly 12% of India's tested spice samples fail quality, safety standards

MDH and Everest have said their products are safe for consumption. Their spices are among the most popular in India - the world's biggest exporter, producer and consumer of spices

Railways: Hygiene-related issues up 500% in 2 yrs; complaints per meal down

In light of these complaints, IRCTC has issued 68 showcause notices, and three contracts were cancelled between January 2021 and March 2024

Microplastics in all Indian salt, sugar brands: How much are you consuming?

A test carried out on 10 types of salt and five types of sugar, purchased from online and local markets in India, showed the presence of microplastics in all samples

India issued over 300 notifications since 2020 to promote food safety: Data

India has issued over 300 notifications since January 2020 to promote food safety, protect animals and plant health, and maintain the quality of products in the markets, according to the commerce ministry data. These notifications are issued under Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Both are allowed under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. TBT and SPS are non-tariff measures (NTMs). SPS is used by countries to set out basic rules for food safety and animal and plant health requirements. On the other hand, TBT deals with voluntary and mandatory standards and procedures to maintain the quality of products in the markets. When these regulations impose an unnecessary burden on trade, then they become non-tariff barriers (NTBs). The data showed that as many as 62 SPS and 247 TBT notifications were issued by India since January 2020. Since the formation of the WTO in 1995, the number of these regulations stood at 330 (SPS) and 434 (TB