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New Delhi
In a revolutionary move towards enhancing the ease of doing business and promoting the concept of ‘One Nation, One Commodity, One Regulator,’ the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened its 43rd meeting in New Delhi. Under the able leadership of Union Health Secretary, Shri Apurva Chandra, various amendments were approved to streamline food safety and standards regulations.
The key highlight of the meeting was the approval of amendments across different Food Safety and Standards Regulations, aimed at eliminating the need for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or AGMARK certification for food products. Once finalized, this groundbreaking decision will relieve food businesses from the cumbersome process of obtaining certifications from different authorities, with only FSSAI certification becoming mandatory for food products.
Among the approved amendments were standards for Mead (Honey wine) and Alcoholic Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, a revision of standards for milk fat products, and the formulation of standards for Haleem. The move signifies a significant shift towards a more cohesive and streamlined regulatory framework for diverse food products.
One of the notable decisions taken by the Food Authority is the approval of comprehensive manuals of methods of analysis for ensuring regulatory compliance of food products. This initiative is a pioneering step in establishing a standardized approach towards testing and compliance across the food industry.
The proposed amendments will now undergo a draft notification process to invite stakeholder comments before finalization. Among these regulations is the revision of standards for Milk Fat Products, which includes applying fatty acid requirements for Ghee to other milk fat products as well.
A groundbreaking inclusion in the standards set by FSSAI is the establishment of norms for ‘Haleem’ under the category of meat products. Haleem, a popular dish made from a combination of meat, pulses, grains, and other ingredients, currently lacks defined standards, and this move will bring much-needed clarity and consistency to its production and quality.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI, and representatives from various ministries such as Health and Family Welfare, Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Law and Justice, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Additionally, representatives from industry associations, consumer organizations, research institutes, and farmers’ organizations actively participated, reflecting a collaborative effort towards shaping the future of food safety and standards in India.
The decisions made in this landmark meeting signal a paradigm shift in the regulatory landscape, marking a progressive step towards a unified and simplified system that aligns with the principles of ‘One Nation, One Commodity, One Regulator.’ These reforms are poised to have a far-reaching impact on the food industry, fostering innovation, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring the safety and quality of food products across the nation.
