The FSSAI Law in India refers to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations and standards established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Here are the key aspects of the FSSAI Law in India:
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: The FSSAI Law in India is governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This Act establishes the FSSAI as the regulatory body responsible for formulating and enforcing food safety standards in India.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): The FSSAI is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Its primary objective is to regulate and supervise food safety and standards across the country.
FSSAI Registration and Licensing: The FSSAI Law mandates that all food businesses operating in India, including manufacturers, processors, transporters, distributors, retailers, and importers, must obtain FSSAI registration or license based on their size and turnover.
Food Standards: The FSSAI is responsible for establishing and enforcing food standards in India. It sets guidelines for the composition, quality, safety, labeling, and packaging of various food products to ensure consumer safety.
Food Safety and Hygiene Practices: The FSSAI Law requires food businesses to adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygiene practices (GHP). These practices encompass maintaining cleanliness, sanitation, and proper handling of food at all stages of production, storage, transportation, and distribution.
Product Approval: The FSSAI Law specifies that certain food products, such as novel foods, functional foods, and proprietary foods, require prior approval from the FSSAI before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
Food Labeling and Packaging: The FSSAI sets regulations for food labeling and packaging, including mandatory information such as ingredients, nutritional facts, allergen declarations, vegetarian/non-vegetarian symbols, and the FSSAI logo with license/registration number.
Food Additives and Contaminants: The FSSAI Law establishes standards for food additives, preservatives, colors, and maximum limits for contaminants, including pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants, to ensure food safety and consumer protection.
Surveillance, Inspection, and Enforcement: The FSSAI has the authority to conduct surveillance, inspections, and sampling of food products to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. It also has the power to take enforcement actions, including penalties, fines, suspension, or cancellation of licenses, for non-compliance with the FSSAI Law.
Food Safety Training and Awareness: The FSSAI promotes food safety training and awareness programs for food businesses, food handlers, supervisors, and consumers to enhance knowledge and promote safe food practices.
It’s important to note that the FSSAI Law is comprehensive and covers various aspects of food safety, standards, and regulations. For detailed and up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to the official FSSAI website and consult the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the associated regulations.
FSSAI Registration: FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food businesses in India, including manufacturers, processors, transporters, distributors, retailers, and importers.
Licensing Categories: The FSSAI categorizes food businesses into three types based on their size and turnover:
a. Registration: Small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh.
b. State License: Medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore.
c. Central License: Large-sized food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore.
Basic Requirements: To obtain FSSAI registration or license, businesses need to comply with certain basic requirements such as having appropriate infrastructure, following good manufacturing practices (GMP), and maintaining sanitary and hygienic conditions.
Product Approval: Certain categories of food products require prior approval from the FSSAI before they can be manufactured or imported into India. This ensures the safety and quality of such products.
Food Safety Management System: Food businesses are required to implement and maintain a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles or other relevant systems.
Labeling Requirements: FSSAI has specific regulations regarding food labeling. Businesses must comply with these regulations to ensure accurate and informative labeling, including ingredients, nutritional information, allergen declarations, and FSSAI logo with license/registration number.
Food Additives and Contaminants: FSSAI sets standards for food additives and maximum limits for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants in food products.
Enforcement and Penalties: FSSAI has the authority to inspect food businesses, conduct sampling and testing of food products, and take necessary enforcement actions for non-compliance. Violations can result in penalties, fines, suspension, or cancellation of licenses.
Imported Food Regulations: Imported food products are subject to specific regulations and must comply with Indian standards for safety and quality. Importers need to obtain an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and comply with the FSSAI regulations.
Food Safety Training and Awareness: FSSAI promotes food safety training and awareness programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of food handlers, supervisors, and consumers.
It’s important to note that this list provides a general overview of key points, and it’s recommended to refer to the official FSSAI website and relevant laws for detailed and up-to-date information on specific requirements and regulations.
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