Page 2 - Fssai

Rajasthan High Court halts FSSAI approval for GM food sale and imports

The Rajasthan High Court restrains FSSAI and GEAC from permitting the sale, manufacture, import, or distribution of genetically modified foods until regulations are framed

FSSAI bans use of 'ORS' on food labels, calls it misleading to consumers

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all food business operators to immediately stop using the word 'ORS' (Oral Rehydration Solution) in their labelling and advertisements, calling such practices misleading to consumers. In its October 14 order, the food safety regulator clarified that the use of the term "ORS" in trademarked names or in the naming of any food products - even when accompanied by a prefix or suffix - constitutes a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The latest order withdraws earlier directives issued in July 2022 and February 2024 that had permitted use of the term 'ORS' on food labels, subject to a declaration or warning stating that "the product is not an ORS formula as recommended by WHO". After reviewing the matter, FSSAI concluded that such practices are misleading to consumers through "false, deceptive, ambiguous and erroneous names/label declarations" and are in contravention of the Act. Use of the term will

FSSAI bans food brands from using 'ORS' tag over misleading claims

The food regulator has prohibited brands from using the term 'ORS' unless approved by the WHO, citing misleading labelling and over-the-counter misuse in the market

Fssai launches dedicated licensing window for Ayurveda Aahara products

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a dedicated licensing and registration window for Ayurveda Aahara products on its Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, marking a significant step towards formalising the traditional Ayurvedic food sector. The new framework, operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will enable manufacturers across the country to apply for licences to produce and market traditional Ayurvedic foods through a streamlined process. The initiative introduces a 'Kind of Business' (KoB) framework specifically for Ayurveda Aahara, designed to align traditional recipes documented in authoritative Ayurvedic texts with contemporary food safety and quality standards. This regulatory pathway is expected to provide a major boost to both food and Ayurveda industries. "This regulation is rooted in the core Ayurvedic principle of personalised nutrition, which tailors diet to an individual's specific constitution ...

Rajit Punhani takes over as FSSAI chief with focus on new food norms

Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has taken charge as CEO of FSSAI as the regulator prepares to finalise new food labelling rules mandating display of key nutritional information

FSSAI to ask restaurants to display sugar, oil info to curb obesity

The development comes in line with growing obesity numbers in India, with a recent Lancet study projecting over 440 million obese and overweight people by 2050

Industry to follow ethical practices in advertising food products: Govt

The Centre on Wednesday asked industries to follow ethical practices in labelling and advertisements of food products to ensure public health and protect consumer interest. The concern was raised at a National Stakeholder Consultation on the subject, 'Comprehensive Analysis of Regulatory Framework on Food Labelling, Advertisement and Claims,' the Health Ministry said in a statement. The consultation was organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. At the event, MHFW Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stressed the importance of ethical and truthful practices in labelling and advertising in the food sector. According to the statement, she said, "Things are changing rapidly today. We are now exposed to the entire world, which means we must adopt many positive changes and best practices, while also scrutinizing food products more closely." Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, asked the industr

From scan-and-pay to scan-and-complain: FSSAI mandates QR code at eateries

The app, according to FSSAI, enables consumers to lodge complaints regarding food safety and hygiene issues and report misleading claims on food products, among others

End to misconceptions about processed foods' health impact: Chirag Paswan

Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan on Wednesday stressed on the need to correct false narrative that processed food are bad for health. The Food Processing Industries Ministry has set up a committee in this regards, he added. Addressing a press conference to announce World Food India event, Paswan said that the level of food processing is still low in the country and there is a huge scope for growth in this sector. He said this sector can boost farmers income and also provide huge job opportunities to youth. Paswan spoke about "misleading advertisements" that brand processed food as "bad". False narratives are being set that processed food losses nutrients value, he added. Paswan said there is a growing demand for ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook foods because of nuclear families and working couples. Food regulator FSSAI ensures the safety of food products, he added. Paswan announced his ministry will hold flagship conference 'World Food India 2025' in the national cap

Turning used cooking oil into diesel blending feedstock remains a challenge

India's biodiesel blending rate was at a mere 0.60 per cent in FY25, against a target of 5 per cent by 2030, largely because of limited investments and challenges in collection of used cooking oil

SC grants Fssai 3-month extension to decide on front-of-pack labels

The Supreme Court extends the deadline for FSSAI expert committee to submit recommendations on mandatory front-of-pack labels for packaged food items, addressing public health concerns

Need curbs on MNCs marketing junk food: Milind Deora on oil-sugar directive

In the wake of the Health Ministry's directive on displaying oil and sugar content of snacks in all government canteens, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora on Monday pitched for uniform regulations across all food categories so that Indian food is "not unfairly targeted". He also said that the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation, which he heads, is currently reviewing plans of the country's apex food regulator, FSSAI, to tackle India's growing obesity crisis, in line with Prime Minister Narendramodi's vision for a healthier nation. "We have unanimously advocated uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so Indian food isn't unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked (sic)," Deora said in a post on X, referring to ministry's move to "to inform consumers about ingredients in samosas and jalebis". The Union health ministry has urged all ministries, departments and autonomous bodies to display "oil and sugar board" mentioning th

FSSAI warns e-comm players against non-compliance with food safety norms

The warning was given at a meeting chaired by the FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao with more than 70 representatives of leading e-commerce platforms

Govt to increase checks on quick commerce dark stores amid hygiene issues

FSSAI to lead surprise inspections as complaints about poor hygiene and expired products in dark stores mount; packaged food brands urge quick commerce platforms to improve standards

FSSAI bans use of '100%' on food labels, says term misleads consumers

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strong advisory against the use of the term "100%" in food labelling, citing concerns over its potential to mislead consumers. The apex food regulator, in a statement, said it has asked all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to refrain from using the term on food labels, packaging, and promotional content, owing to its ambiguity and potential for misinterpretation within the existing regulatory provisions. In the advisory issued on Thursday, FSSAI highlighted a noticeable surge in the use of the term "100%" across food product labels and promotional platforms. The Authority emphasised that such terminology is not only undefined under current regulations but also misleading and likely to create a false impression among consumers. As per the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, the term "100%" is not defined or referenced in any manner under the FSS Act, 2006, or the Rules and Regulatio

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

Dabur's '100% fruit juice' claim misleading: FSSAI to Delhi High Court

Dabur India manufactures the 'Real' brand of fruit juices in India, and uses the label of '100 per cent fruit juice' on its packaging