FDA Maharashtra insists to use blue colour in industrial ice

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra has directed the businesses involved in the manufacturing of industrial ice to use blue colour to differentiate it from the edible ice.

Taking into consideration that 70 per cent of the edible ice used by the food vendors is contaminated, FDA has taken this decision, and a proposal in this regard has been approved by the state government.

A senior official from FDA said, “We had sent a proposal to the government, and they seem positive about it. Finally, we have got the nod from the government, and we will implement it across the state.”

Maharashtra is the first state to do so. And in this regard, a meeting with the stakeholders has already taken place. 

The official said, “A meeting was held with various stakeholders related to the manufacturing of industrial ice, and it was decided to make the use of blue colour for industrial purposes, whereas edible ice should look crystal clear.”

“We have directed all the manufacturers of industrial ice not to use any other colour but Indigo Carmine or Brilliant Blue FCF [as per regulation 3.1.2(4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011] till it gets the minimum colour and upto 10 parts per million (ppm).Thus, those using contaminated ice will now be easily identifiable. The necessary action will be taken depending upon the offence,” he added.

According to officials, the ice used for consumption should be made from safe and potable water. However, for industrial purposes, the source of the water could be anything.