Recent Update: Proposed Amendments to Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011

Recent Update: Proposed Amendments to Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), with prior approval from the Central Government, has released a draft of amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011. This initiative is in accordance with the authority vested under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Key Highlights:

1. Pesticide and Insecticide Usage: The draft introduces stricter regulations on the use of pesticides and insecticides in food production:
• Only fumigants registered and approved under the Insecticides Act, 1968 will be permitted for direct use on food.
• Pesticides or insecticides not registered under the Insecticides Act will be subject to a tolerance limit of 0.01 mg/kg, except in the case of spices and culinary herbs, for which the limit is 0.1 mg/kg.
• Specific Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for pesticides have been outlined for different food items, ensuring tighter controls on residue levels to enhance food safety.

Public Participation:

FSSAI invites stakeholders and the public to submit objections or suggestions regarding the draft regulations. A 60-day window from the date of publication of the notification in the Gazette has been provided for feedback submission. Comments can be addressed to the CEO, FSSAI, at Food and Drug Administration Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002 or sent via email to regulation@fssai.gov.in.

The draft regulation document link is given below, outlining the proposed changes and detailed MRL limits. This marks another step toward safeguarding consumer health and ensuring compliance with food safety standards in India.

Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011

Stay informed as these amendments progress.