FSSAI to come up soon with food labeling standards

After releasing the Draft food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2018 FSSAI CEO Mr. Pawan Kumar Agarwal has said that it will come up with the final labeling standards on packaged food products in the next 2-3 months.

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, reports Knnindia.

He said the FSSAI is studying the model used in foreign countries like Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and the US, for color coding display on the packaged food item. “We are aware of the industry’s concern related to color coding.”

In the draft regulation, it has been proposed to make it mandatory to display red color-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 labeling 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 labeled, the draft said.

“Imported GM food is coming to India. It is in form of soya products and edible oils. In case of oils, a trace of GM is negligible. So, there will be no labeling,” 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.