The regulatory framework governing foods is evolving

With support from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), NuFFooDS Spectrum (NFS) conducted discussions on the dire need for regulations in the nutraceuticals market. The strategic entry of the products into the market was also a topic of debate at the Spectrum Dialogues platform, as part of the Nutraceuticals conference organized by NFS in New Delhi.

 

The session saw a full swing participation by Dr R B Smarta, MD Interlink Marketing Consultancy, Dr. A K Sharma, Consultant (Standards) FSSAI, Mr. Sandeep Gupta, Vice Chairman, IDMA Nutraceutical Committee, Nutraceutical Evangelist and Dr. Prabodh Halde, President, AFSTI.

 

“As the nutraceutical regulation is evolving in India, with the recent implementation of FSSA, there is a possibility that some of the content is conflicting or confusing, but for Indian industry to take a shape, this has to be streamlined. In order to enter the Indian nutraceutical market, some of the very important areas to focus include product evaluation, actual product analysis, procuring licenses and developing India-specific health and label claims”, highlighted Mr. Sandeep Gupta.

 

In continuation to this thought, Mr Prabodh Halde added his concern stating that in order to perform product assessment as per Indian regulatory definition, it is of utmost importance to examine each active ingredient and additive in the context of permissibility, standards and dosage of vitamins or minerals.

 

Further Dr. A K Sharma added, “The passing of the Food Safety and Standard Act 2006 was a significant first step. Prior to the FSSA, there were multiple laws and regulations governing food safety and standards. Later in 2006, all of the existing laws were consolidated to form one single statute in order to ensure systematic and scientific development of the food processing industry”.

 

The entire session was moderated by Dr. R B Smarta, who emphasized that the nutraceuticals industry in India has knowledge as well as the science and tradition of natural medicines. But this science and knowledge should reach the consumers and should be made available to the population.

 

“With the foreign companies looking at India as a potential hub for Nutraceuticals, our regulations should be conducive to the foreign investors. We need to have stability and certainty with respect to regulations and guidelines”, he added.