May 17, 2018

FSSAI to finalize food labelling norms in the next 2-3 months: Pawan Kr Agarwal

New Delhi, May 16 (KNN) The Food Safety & Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) will come up with the final labelling standards on packaged food products in the next 2-3 months, FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal said adding that the authority is open to make changes in the draft rules to address the industry's concern.
FSSAI has already released the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2018 and has sought comments from stakeholders.
While talking to media persons, Agarwal said stakeholders' comments are sought on the draft regulations.
The final regulation is expected in the next 2-3 months, he added.
He said the FSSAI is studying the model used in foreign countries like Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and the US, for colour coding display on the packaged food item. "We are aware of the industry's concern related to colour coding."
In the draft regulation, it has been proposed to make it mandatory to display red colour-coding on front of the pack of food products that have high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt content levels.
Asked about the proposal on genetically modified (GM) food, Agarwal said the labelling on packaged food items with 5 per cent or more GE ingredients will "bring clarity".
All food products having total Genetically Engineered (GE) ingredients 5 per cent or more shall be labelled, the draft said.
"Imported GM food is coming to India. It is in form of soya products and edible oils. In case of oils, traces of GM is negligible. So, there will be no labelling," he added.
Agarwal also announced that the FSSAI is targeting to make the country free from trans-fat by 2022.
FSSAI has launched an initiative to promote safe and nutritious food (SNF) at workplace to deal with the alarming increase in obesity and NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) like diabetes and hypertension.

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