Food safety regulator FSSAI has finalized 12,000 standards for food additives and ingredients in line with global safety standards Codex, established by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Health Organisation. The move is expected to benefit food companies as they would not require to seek product approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) if they comply with these standards. At present, there are 375 FSSAI safety standards for food items but none for food additives and ingredients.
FSSAI is reviewing the existing standards set for caffeine content, metal and toxic contaminants and other residues in the food products. The regulator is also in the process of setting standards for imported food items to ensure safe products are sold in the domestic market.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an agency of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
- It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
- It has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
- It has its headquarters at New Delhi.
Test Your Knowledge
- Who is the current Chairperson of FSSAI? K Chandramouli
- Who is the current Minister for Health & Family Welfare? JP Nadda
