FSSAI GUIDELINES FRUITS
Mangoes, bananas, papayas under watch: FSSAI crackdown begins over illegal 'masala' use for ripening; What India’s top food regulator is warning
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued a fresh directive to states to intensify action against the illegal use of artificial fruit ripening agents, especially banning calcium carbide for fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas due to serious health risks. The authority reiterated that unsafe practices, including misuse of chemicals like ethephon, will face strict enforcement, with increased inspections across markets and storage facilities. FSSAI emphasised that only regulated use of ethylene gas is permitted, while warning that violations could lead to prosecution, signalling a strong nationwide crackdown to ensure safer fruits for consumers.
A 100% no food labels sent packing: FSSAI asks food companies not to make false claims of absolute purity
The FSSAI has intensified its scrutiny of packaged food companies, instructing them to discontinue "100%" claims on labels and promotional content, deeming them misleading. This directive aims to curb deceptive marketing practices and ensure consumers receive accurate information about food products.
FSSAI asks States to curb use of illegal ripening agents, synthetic coatings on fruits
FSSAI has directed states to intensify inspections to curb the illegal use of ripening agents like calcium carbide and synthetic coatings on fruits. Calcium carbide is strictly prohibited due to serious health risks, while ethephon use is permitted only as a source for ethylene gas, following a strict SOP. Violations will attract strict penal action.
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal chief says Hyperpure’s packaging date fiasco was manual error by vendor
Deepinder Goyal said the vendor in question has been delisted from the B2B marketplace’s database. But he wonders why the small number of mushroom packets worth Rs 7,200 out of the crores worth of inventory is causing such a storm in a teacup.
‘Organic’ and ‘natural’? India’s $32 billion packaged food and beverage industry struggles with disclosures
The packaged food industry should be more upfront about the ingredients they use to make products. It is a question of public health, say experts.
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Paratha made with diesel? All you need to know about this viral video
Diesel Paratha Viral Video (Google Trend): This bizarre cooking method has drawn widespread criticism. Social media users have expressed disgust and concern, tagging India's food safety regulator, the FSSAI, urging them to take action. While the video has garnered attention, it serves as a reminder to be wary of unverified food trends online. For personalized dietary advice, it's recommended to consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional.

Label claims on packaged food could be incorrect & incomplete: ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has cautioned that food labels on packaged items can often mislead consumers, urging them to carefully read information to make informed choices, as stated in the recently issued dietary guidelines. The report highlights that health claims on packaged foods may not always accurately reflect their nutritional content, with some products making incomplete or incorrect claims. For instance, products labeled as 'natural' or 'real fruit' may contain additives or minimal fruit content. Additionally, terms like 'organic' and 'sugar-free' can be misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about their health benefits.

Beverage lobby differs with WHO on sweeteners
A lobby group representing major beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Red Bull, has criticized recent World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on non-sugar sweeteners. The guidelines state that such sweeteners do not aid weight loss and increase the risk of certain diseases. The lobby group states that the WHO recommendations are not based on a robust evidence base.

FSSAI assessing WHO red flag on sugar substitutes
India's national foods regulator is assessing new guidelines released by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding non-sugar sweeteners. Last week, the WHO said in a guideline that such products, including aspartame and stevia, do not help with weight loss, and may increase risks for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Non-sugar sweeteners are frequently used by Indian brands as “healthy” alternatives to sugar.

Coloured teas become a menace in South India, Maharashtra
“In recent times, coloured teas have become a real problem in South India and Maharashtra. In Gujarat, the situation has improved overall. There may be some stray cases, but it is not as rampant as in South India and Maharashtra,” FAITTA chairman Viren Shah told ET.

GST: Your carbonated fruit juice-based drink is all set to get costlier
The GST Council in its 45th meeting held in Lucknow has given a new dimension to the entire debate on what should be the tax rate for fruit-based or fruit juice-based drinks.

Plea in SC seeking 'health star rating' for food items, beverages
The petition, filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, claimed that FSSAI neither conducts 'Health Impact Assessment' nor implements 'Health Star Rating System.'

Regulations on junk food in school canteens watered down, notifies FSSAI
Guidelines drop draft idea of classifying food in yellow, green and red categories, also do away with responsibilities specified for food and business operators

FSSAI calls for colour-coded labels on products with high fat, sugar content
The food industry has expressed its concerns over the draft of the proposed changes in labelling rules drawn up by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Separate norms on the cards for food packaging
The re-use of tin and plastic cans are disallowed, especially for packaging edible oil and fat and there are specific rules for packaging of products such as milk and fruits.

FSSAI issues draft quality standards for instant noodles
"Starches, dried fruits and vegetables, nuts, edible protein and egg Powder may be added, if required," the regulator said in a notification.

FSSAI proposal on juice in fizzy drinks to trigger more launches in category
Existing FSSAI rules require a minimum of 10% fruit juice or pulp content in such beverages to qualify as a juice drink, except in lime where it is 5%.

Half-baked safety standards & nonchalant attitudes to hygiene: Is every food item prone to contamination?
Dubious testing facilities, half-baked safety standards and nonchalant attitudes to hygiene may mean that every food item is prone to contamination.

FSSAI panel to regulate salt, fat & sugar in food
The committee will also prescribe regulations for display of salt, sugar and fat content in products being sold in restaurants and by caterers.

Junk food curbed, not banned in schools
The PIL by Uday Foundation through its founder Rahul Verma had sought an immediate ban on junk food and carbonated drinks in all unaided and private schools.

Bombay High Court issues notices to FSSAI on Canola Oil labelling row
The Bombay HC has asked FSSAI to espond by Sep 1 on whether they should insist on labelling Canola Oil as "Rapeseed Oil-low erucic acid".

European Union liquor consignment held up at airports
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently notified new norms that require bottlers to disclose ingredients used in a drink.

Centre allowed to get junkfood guidelines examined by experts
The Centre's plea that a committee would examine guidelines on regulating sale of junk food and aerated drinks in and around schools premises is allowed.
Guidelines on junk food sale near schools by July: Centre to High Court
The court had also asked the FSSAI to consult the All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA) and restaurant associations for framing the guidelines.
Government response sought on PIL for ban on junk food in schools
Delhi HC asked the city government if it had issued any direction to schools on regulating sale of junk food and aerated drinks in and around their premises.
Now, food products need to seek approval from government-promoted FSSAI
Food cos are no longer being allowed to sell new products without taking approvals from the govt-promoted FSSAI.

Restaurant, eateries, canteens to require licences from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to operate
The move from FSSAI seems to have stirred a hornest's nest in the Rs 50K cr industry with operators saying the procedure needs to be more user-friendly.
All India Food Processors Association moves Delhi HC on junk food ban in schools
AIFPA today moved the Delhi High Court with a plea to hear it before passing any final order on a PIL seeking a ban on the junk food.
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