corporate law

FSSAI Proposes Amendments to Food Packaging Regulations for Safety Compliance

Introduction

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notification regarding proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. This notification is aimed at ensuring compliance with up-to-date safety measures for packaging materials used in food products.

Notification Overview

On May 17, 2022, the FSSAI published a notification to amend existing packaging regulations. This draft regulation proposes changes in accordance with the powers granted under sub-section (2) of section 92 and section 23 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006).

Important Details:

  • The draft regulations will be considered after a sixty-day period from the date the notification is made public.
  • Stakeholders are encouraged to submit objections or suggestions regarding the draft regulations.

Method to Submit Feedback:

  • Address feedback to the Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002.
  • Alternatively, submissions can be made via email to regulation@fssai.gov.in.

All received objections and suggestions will be reviewed by the FSSAI during the specified period.

Draft Regulations

  1. The regulations shall be referred to as the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2022.
  2. In the existing Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, regulation 4, sub-regulation (4) will be amended:
    • Clause (e) will be updated to read as follows:
      • “Products made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) may be used for packaging, storing, carrying, or dispensing food products as soon as standards and guidelines are published by the Food Authority. Compliance with any other applicable national standards or regulations is also required.”

Conclusion

This proposed amendment aims to enhance food safety related to packaging materials made from recycled plastics. Stakeholders are invited to participate in the regulatory process through their feedback, which will play a crucial role in shaping the final regulations.

For reference, the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 were initially published in the Gazette of India on December 24, 2018, and have been amended as per earlier notifications.