Food Importers meet FSSAI Chairman with concerns, assured of early resolution

Food Importers meet FSSAI Chairman with concerns, assured of early resolution

A delegation led by Amit Lohani, Founder and Director of the Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), the apex body representing food importers across India, met Ashish Bahuguna, the newly appointed Chairman of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, on September 1. "We presented him with various concerns of the trade and the ambiguity faced by FIFI members and sought his suggestions to the issues raised by us," informed Lohani about the purpose of the meeting. 

As a forum for international foods importers, FIFI has been working very closely with FSSAI since its inception to evolve better understanding of food laws and create healthy trade environment for compliance. Over the years, imported products have also encouraged the Indian food industry to develop and manufacture food products matching international standards.

The major concerns voiced by the FIFI delegation at the meeting with the FSSAI chairman were chiefly about the issues related to FFAI norms. Members of the delegation comprising V.N. Dalmia of Dalmia Continental, Rajneesh Bhasin of Borges International, Rakesh Banga of Farmland Foods and Uday Chugh of Vriddhi Specialty flagged off trade concerns related to: 

Clarity on Food Code and CODEX: FIFI members expressed the view that the trade feels that since Product Approval is no longer part of the process after being struck off by the Supreme Court recently, the norms and guidelines of the Indian Food Code should now be followed. With more than 4,000 categorizations of products, the IFC norms are extensive enough to cover in its ambit almost all the products imported in India. Members impressed upon Bahuguna to follow the IFC norms for import clearances. "This would come as a massive relief from the current ambiguity in trade after the PA clause was struck off by the Supreme Court," was the collective view of the delegation. 

According to the press note issued by FIFI on the outcome of the meeting, Bahuguna assured the delegation of resolving this issue and put in place guidelines for a more transparent process to facilitate trade. Members felt that he was very positive on the early resolution of the ambiguity on the matter. 

Labeling concerns: FIFI members highlighted their concerns on getting the NOC from FSSAI. "Due to minor errors / deficiencies in labeling, sampling is not done and the consignment languishes awaiting clearance and NOC from FSSAI," pointed out the delegation. 

The suggestion put forward was that any minor deficiency should be viewed sympathetically and the importer should be given the permission to re-label the product. It was put forward that keeping in view the approved granted by the High courts in several such cases, the order of destruction or re-export should only be used for products which fail the basic safety aspects for human consumption. 

In his reply, Bahuguna is reported to have stated that there are a few judgments in favour of relabeling but there has also been one judgment favouring the FSSAI’s point of view. "We are trying to understand the legal ramifications on the subject," is what Bahuguna told the delegation. 

FBO Licence: Members expressed their anguish over delay and red tape in obtaining the licence. "The whole process of granting licence smacks of the abuses rampant in the days of License Raaj. Officers ask for favours and minor mistakes are blown out of proportion," pointed out the delegation. 

It was therefore suggested that the primary domain of FSSAI should be FBO registration and not licensing, which encourages corruption. The focus should be on traceability of the FBO and the safety of food article sold by him. Annual renewal of licence should be discontinued and a one-time registration process should be initiated. 

The delegation, in its release, said that it was happy to note that the Chairman absolutely and unequivocally supported our concern. "He assured us that this would be resolved and that there is no reason why documents are required during the renewal of licences. 

SOP of Import: It was pointed out by the delegation that custom duty before the withdrawal of samples at certain ports is at the discretion of officers. The minimum time taken for withdrawal of samples is two days, which sometime exceeds to more than five days. After the withdrawal of samples, getting the receipt of the test results takes an average of 10-12 days from the date of sampling. Even the process of sample withdrawn in Delhi is different than that in Mumbai, resulting in delay in clearance. It was pointed that whereas officers in Mumbai do not ask for the delivery order (received from shipping line post customs clearance) for sample withdrawal, delivery order is asked for in Delhi. 

It was suggested that the FSSAI should maintain process parity at all ports. The total time frame for withdrawal of samples till the delivery of test results should not exceed five days. In the case of any delay, the importer should be allowed to take the shipment out on an indemnity bond. It was also brought to light that the cost of delay causes loss to the consumers to the tune of Rs 15,000 daily on account of demurrages and detentions, which is borne by foreign shipping lines. 

The delegation was assured that FSSAI was aware of this concern and was in the process of issuing clarity on SOP of import clearances so as to bring more parity at different ports. 

Other issues related to the timeframe for sampling, testing, etc, and on having a negative ingredients list were also raised. The meeting, according to members of the delegation, was fruitful and productive and raised expectations of a quick resolution of all the major concerns articulated by FIFI. "This was one of the most positive meetings we have had in FSSAI since VN Gaur’s time. The Chairman listened and clarified on all our concerns and gave positive feedback on issues raised by us," said Lohani.

Nirapara brand of powdered spices banned

The Commissioner of Food Safety has banned the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of the Nirapara brand of chilly, turmeric, and coriander powder, manufactured by KKR Food Products, Kalady, under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of India, to protect the interest of consumers.

The decision was taken by the authorities as the spices powders sold under the Nirapara brand were found containing added starch. Food Safety Commissioner T.V. Anupama directed the manufacturer to recall all banned products from the market and file a compliance report with the Commissioner.

Food safety officials, as part of their routine food inspection and sampling work, had collected random samples of Nirapara brand of spices powders from different parts of the State on different dates. The samples analysed at the State Analysis Lab had found that the samples contained added starch.

Following an appeal from the manufacturer, the samples were reanalysed at a referral lab but the results were the same. At least 30 cases of the same nature are pending before adjudicators in different districts in the State.

The officials decided to push ahead with the ban of the products as despite notices sent under Section 46 (4) of the FSS Act, adjudications filed and fines imposed, the manufacturer has continued to sell adulterated spices powder, an official statement here said. All Assistant Commissioners of Food Safety have been directed to inspect godowns of distributors and retail outlets and seize the products for the effective implementation of the ban.

Products found to contain added starch

Food safety officers told to inspect godowns

Steps to ensure hassle free darshan

All necessary arrangements are being made for devotees to have hassle free darshan during the first phase of the samprokshanam at the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple on September 9, Collector K.S.Palanisamy has said.

The samprokshanam of 43 sannidhis and 11 gopurams of the temple would be performed after renovation during the first phase.

The samprokshanam of the main sannidhis would be held later.

Speaking at a consultative meeting to discuss the arrangements to be made for the first phase of the samprokshanam, Mr.Palanisamy said no VIP pass or vehicle pass would be issued for the event.

He instructed the officials to deploy adequate number of sanitary workers to maintain cleanliness in Srirangam and provide adequate basic amenities such as water supply and toilets.

All roadside shops obstructing free flow of traffic should be removed.

The Tangedco should ensure uninterrupted power supply.

All temporary structures such as pandals should be certified for stability by the Public Works Department. Food safety officials should conduct checks to ensure quality of food distributed in hotels in the town.

Those organising annadhanams should obtain permission from the Food Safety officials, he said.

He instructed the temple authorities to install adequate number of surveillance cameras.

Government planning a treat for restaurant industry

The industry seems upbeat, at least with the reassurances by the government since the result on ground will take some time to materialize.

NEW DELHI: The AAP government has decided to address the long-pending demands of the restaurant industry in Delhi by offering them an environment conducive to ease of doing business. This includes a simplified licensing process and planning tourism hubs with focus on hospitality and dining.

The industry seems upbeat, at least with the reassurances by the government since the result on ground will take some time to materialize. A three-member committee headed by finance secretary SN Sahai is looking at various aspects of ease of doing business and is expected to submit a report on the licensing structure to the chief minister in the coming days.

Government sources said that at present a restaurant requires 15-16 licences, some of which may not even be relevant and the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has been asked to revert with details on each. "Talks are on with departments. The committee is working on a report and will submit it to the CM soon," said a source.

The association has met several people in the government, from the tourism minister to senior bureaucrats and says that there is definite interest in simplifying the system. "We discussed setting up of 15 tourist hubs with the tourism department. These will give huge leverage to dining and, hence, promote the industry as well. The tourism minister has also asked the municipal corporations and NDMC to allow use of open spaces for serving food," said Riyaaz Amlani, president, NRAI.

The changes introduced in the past six months include making the licence renewal process online, in turn reducing human interface which, sources claim, has resulted in a definite reduction in corruption. The government has allowed setting up of microbreweries, though Kumar says there are still lose ends to tie up. There is a definite agenda for restaurant-based tourism hubs while a special committee is looking at the licensing process.

"This is for the first time that so many steps are being taken and we are glad. The result will take a while to show but at least there is movement towards ease of doing business. Not only will this encourage the industry but also increase government revenue," said Prakul Kumar, secretary general of NRAI.

Restaurateurs say that multiplicity of agencies, especially for granting licences, is a major point of corruption other than leading to harassment. "While the Centre and previous governments have been talking about ease of doing business, nothing much has changed on ground. Counting all the licensing, permissions and registrations, there are 15-odd types of clearances we require leading to inspector raaj," said Kumar.

"Several issues are local like dealing with civic agencies. An example is the health licence given by the corporation. When there is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, why do we need this additional licence?" said Kumar.

FSDA finds stale pethas being sold to visitors

Agra: Tourists have two things on their wish list when they visit the city: see the Taj Mahal and buy petha sweets. But reputation of Agra pethas has taken a severe beating as Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) officials found nearly 300kg of the product sold in local shops across the city to be stale. 

During the first phase of crackdown, FSDA found that some shops, besides selling stale sweets to unsuspecting tourists, were using aluminum instead of silver foil (warak) on their product. Consumption of aluminium poses health hazards. 

The FSDA has collected seven samples from various shops in the last two months. They have sent them to the divisional food analysis lab at Lucknow and Varanasi. 

The food quality watchdog started investigating the quality of pethas in the city after a leading sweetmeat chain in the city complained of various shops mushrooming in the city by misappropriating their brand name. They said people had opened fake outlets and were selling substandard sweets to unsuspecting tourists. As per law, misbranding can draw a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. 

FSDA officials raided various shops in Agra Cantonment, Tajgang, Sadar and Balugang. They said they would begin another phase of crackdown on petha shops shortly. They said they will begin their second pase of crackdown shortly to uphold the quality of sweets.

Patanjali noodles riding on Ramdev’s marketing

Mumbai, 4 September

At the launch of Patanjali Ayurved’s atta

noodles on Thursday, Baba Ramdev, yoga guru and co- founder of the company, was not only seen having the noodles himself but urging others to do so. Though a yoga guru having instant noodles might seem at odds, it points to the savvy marketer that Ramdev is.

Apart from plugging into the need for ahealthy noodles option in the absence of Maggi, Ramdev has done everything a smart brand ambassador would. This isn’t the only instance when the 49- year- old yoga guru has weaved his magic on promotion and branding. In the 18 years since he co- founded his ayurvedic company along with scholar Balakrishna, he has virtually carried the Patanjali brand on his shoulders.

A recent CLSA report says the unlisted Patanjali Ayurved, which, at the end of 2014- 15 had revenue of about ₹ 2,500 crore, spends practically nothing on advertising and sales promotion. By comparison, the average advertising and sales promotion costs for fast- moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies are nothing less than 12- 15 per cent of sales.

Experts say Ramdev embodies what Patanjali is all about. “ The difference between him and regular brand ambassadors is he lives the brand. There is no gap between what he espouses and what Patanjali wishes to communicate. While personality- led brands aren’t uncommon in advertising — the late Steve Jobs personified what Apple stood for and Richard Branson lends his charisma and charm to Virgin — I don’t think there are any examples of it in ayurveda,” says Kiran Khalap, co- founder, Chlorophyll Brand and Communications Consultancy.

In many respects, Ramdev is also among the busiest FMCG brand ambassadors.

He promotes Patanjali products during his yoga sessions and discourses, weaving it cleverly into his narrative and ensuring his followers also become users of his products.

According to NChandramouli, chief executive of TRA, publishers of the annual Brand Trust Report ( which measures the level of trust in a product or personality), Patanjali Ayurved broke into the list for the first time this year, featuring among the seven most trusted ayurveda brands in the country.

“Baba Ramdev was the only spiritual leader to figure in our top 21 personality list, at number 16 this year. This is the first time in the four years since we launched the report that a spiritual leader has featured on our personality list, otherwise dominated by Bollywood and cricket players,” Chandramouli says.

With ad agency DDB Mudra now working with Patanjali Ayurved to promote some of its products, Ramdev’s aura might only be enhanced. Madhukar Kamath, group chief executive and managing director of DDB Mudra, says the scale of Ramdev’s business attracted his agency to Patanjali.

“They have a great product, a modern manufacturing process, a wide distribution network and a large number of loyal followers, who are also users of the brand. What more would you want from an FMCG company?” Kamath asks.

With Patanjali growing (it has plans to enter almost every FMCG category and increase its reach from 177,000 outlets to two million), Ramdev is unlikely to get any respite from his endorsement duties.

கலப்பட பால் விற்பனை சிக்கினால் ரூ5 லட்சம் அபராதம்

கோவை, செப்.5:

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் கொழுப்பு நீக் கப் பட்ட கறவை மாட்டு பால் விற் பனை அதி க ரித் துள் ளது. இப் படி விற் பனை செய் யும் வியா பா ரி கள் சிக் கி னால் ரூ5 லட் சம் வரை அபா ர தம் விதிக் கப் ப டும் என உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி கள் எச் ச ரிக்கை விடுத் துள் ள னர்.

கோவை பீள மேடு, சவு ரி பா ளை யம், நல் லாம் பா ளை யம், தொண் டா முத் தூர், கிணத் துக் க டவு, மதுக் கரை உள் பட மாவட்டம் முழு வ தும் கறவை மாட்டு பால் விற் பனை செய் யப் பட்டு வரு கி றது. இந்த பாலில் கொழுப்பு நீக் கப் பட்ட பாலை சேர்த்து பால் வியா பா ரி கள் விற் பனை செய் வ தாக கண் ட றி யப் பட்டுள் ளது. கொழுப்பு நீக் கப் பட்ட பால் லிட்டர் ரூ10க்கு விற் பனை செய் யப் ப டு கி றது. இந்த பத்து ரூபாய்க்கு விற் பனை செய் யும் பாலை வாங்கி கறக் கும் பாலு டன் சேர்த்து பால் வியா பா ரி கள் விற் கின் ற னர். இத னால், பாலில் கொழுப்பு சத்து குறைந்து காணப் ப டும்.

தமி ழ கத் தில் பொது வாக கறவை மாட்டு பாலில் 4.5 சத வீ தம் கொழுப் பும், 8.5 சத வீ தம் எஸ் என் எப் (சாயில்ட் நாட் பேட்) இருக்க வேண் டும். ஆனால், கொழுப்பு நீக் கப் பட்ட பாலை மாட்டு பாலில் கலந்து விற் பனை செய் யும் போது அதில் கொழுப்பு சக்தி மிக வும் குறைந்து காணப் ப டும்.இத னால், இயல் பாக குடிக் கும் கலப்பட பால் 

பாலின் சக்தி கிடைக் கா மல் போகும். தற் போது மாவட்டம் முழு வ தும் இப் படி கொழுப்பு நீக் கப் பட்ட பாலை கறக் கும் பாலில் கலந்து விற் பனை செய்து வரு கின் ற னர். இந்த பாலை ஆய்வு கூடத் தில் வைத்து சோதனை செய் தால் மட்டுமே கண் ட றிய முடி யும். பொது மக் க ளால் எளி தாக கண் ட றிய முடி யாத நிலை யுள் ளது.

இத னால்,பால் வி யா பா ரி கள் தற் போ து இந்த புதிய யுத் தியை பயன் ப டுத்தி பாலில் கலப் ப டம் செய்து தர மற்ற பாலை விற் பனை செய்து வரு கின் ற னர். இதனை தடுக்க மாவட்ட உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி கள் திட்ட மிட்டுள் ள னர். பால் தொடர் பாக அனைத்து இடங் களி லும் ஆய்வு செய் ய வும் முடிவு செய் துள் ள னர்.

இது குறித்து மாவட்ட உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை நிய மன அதி காரி கதி ர வன் கூறு கை யில் “மாவட்டத் தில் பர வ லான இடங் களில் கொழுப்பு நீக் கப் பட்ட பாலை கறந்த பாலில் கலப் ப டம் செய்து விற் பனை செய் யப் ப டு வது தெரி ய வந் துள் ளது.

கொழுப்பு நீக் கப் பட்ட பாலை கலந்து விற் பனை செய் வது என் பது தர மற்ற பாலை விற் பனை செய் வது என கரு தப் ப டும். இந்த நட வ டிக் கை யில் ஈடு ப டு ப வர் கள் சிக் கி னால் ரூ5 லட் சம் வரை அபா ர தம் விதிக் கப் ப டும். இது தொடர் பாக மாவட்டத் தில் தொடர் ஆய்வு செய்ய திட்ட மிட்டுள் ளோம்” என் றார்.

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DINAMALAR NEWS

DINAMANI NEWS

Nestle can send fewer samples: Bombay HC

MUMBAI: In a further relief for Nestle India, the Bombay HC on Friday clarified that five samples each from among the available nine Maggi variants can be sent for lead testing to three laboratories. So the company need not send five samples each from 750 stored cases of these variants as mentioned in an order last month, while lifting the nationwide ban on sale of the two-minute popular snack. 

There are nine approved variants of Maggi of which six are available for the tests, lawyers said later. Hence the samples to be sent for testing now would be 30 each to three labs. The HC said the tests can be done within six weeks starting September 5.

A bench of Justices V M Kanade and B P Colabawalla made this modification to its order. The move came after senior counsel Iqbal Chagla, appearing for Nestle India, pointed out that the court's intention was for samples from each or available variants to be tested and not from each stored case of the not destroyed noodles. The latter would have result in a huge number of samples. 

"There are 592 batches in the 750 cases, which would result in 2,960 samples, and for three labs it would mean 8,880 samples to be sent." The company had moved the court after spotting few "typographical errors" in dates and numbers mentioned in the order passed on August 13 when the bench had set aside the June 5, 2015, ban imposed on Maggi sale by Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as being without following principles of natural justice. 

The HC, after hearing Chagla and Mahmood Pracha (counsel for the FSSAI CEO), accepted the clarifications sought by Nestle to the typos and to the provisions of the food safety under which the tests were to be done. The HC had, while allowing Nestle's plea against the ban, however, "in public interest" directed that Maggi samples be sent to three certified laboratories for lead testing and, when found to be within limits, manufacturing could resume. The FSSAI had banned Maggi after 30 samples out of 70-odd were found to have high lead content. 

Among the "typographical errors" were that the company had issued its press release about withdrawing products on June 5, not June 4 as recorded, and that nine variants have approvals, not eight, and that Maggi Masala Oats is the tenth variant which is pending approval. 

The HC judgment, which had come as a victory for Nestle, however allowed the company to begin manufacturing of its popular instant snack only after three labs certify within six weeks that lead content in Maggi is within permissible limits. And the company may sell even the newly manufactured products of all other variants once they are tested and found to contain lead within permissible limits. 

The HC in its order had clearly held that FSSAI had "no unfettered discretion to decide what standards have to be maintained by manufacturers of proprietary foods" and "could not impose a ban on the grounds that the lead found in the product of the petitioner was beyond what was represented in its application for product approval, though it was below the maximum permissible limits laid down under the regulations".