FSSAI grants extension to the list of label rectification
By Shubhi Mishra
India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory facilitating the rectification of labels of all non-compliant labels imported into India.
The direction ((Via order number Import/TFM/APEX/2022-) permits the rectification of labels to be carried out by affixing a single non-detachable sticker or by any other non-detachable method within the confines of a Customs bonded warehouse before visual inspection, or re-inspection, by FSSAI authorised officers or representatives.
The implementation of the order will help to lower unwarranted rejections of imported Food and Drink products into India based on labelling rather than food safety standards. Thereby, this will help to reduce the overall procedural and financial burden on both national and international businesses.
UKIBC warmly welcomes the positive intervention from Dr Amit Sharma, Director Imports, FSSAI and applauds the constructive efforts by the authorities towards creating a favourable environment for businesses to operate in India. This positive change is also reflective of the forward-looking approach of the Indian authorities and their willingness to engage with industry stakeholders to create a business friendly environment.
UKIBC, on behalf of the UK food and drink companies and jointly with other neutral stakeholders, liaised with FSSAI on the said concern of rejection of consignment based on labeling deficiencies, which does not directly relate to the safety of the food and drink products. FSSAI, with an objective to facilitate trade while maintaining the safety of the Indian consumers, authorised the rectification of all non-compliant labels on imported F&D consignments as a result.
For more details please see: India’s FSSAI Issues Order on Rectifiable Labeling Information for Imported Food Products
For more technical details related to the subject announcement and others contact Shubhi Mishra, Head Food and Drink shubhi.mishra@ukibc.com
