FSSAI's Proposed Amendments to Vegan Foods Regulations: Your Guide to Compliance

Introduction

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released a draft notification proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022. This notification includes crucial updates such as the introduction of "Form I" and detailed requirements for certificates issued by the exporting country's recognized authority. The draft also specifies conditions for transport, storage, and necessary declarations to align with vegan standards.

Details of the Draft Regulations

The proposed draft, which amends the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022, has the prior approval of the Central Government as per the powers outlined in clause (v) of subsection (2) of section 92 and section 16 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006). It is published for the information of individuals likely to be affected, and the draft will be considered after a 60-day review period.

Draft Regulations Overview

1. Title of Regulations: The amendment shall be referred to as the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2025.

2. Amendments to Existing Regulations: Specific changes to the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022 are as follows:

   • In sub-regulation 3 of regulation 5 concerning vegan food compliance, the phrase "the format as specified by the authority is accepted" will be replaced with "Form I of these regulations".
   • A new section following regulation 5 will include FORM – I, which details the certificate requirements from the recognized authority of the exporting country, pertinent to products seeking Vegan logo endorsement under the existing regulations.

FORM – I Certificate Specifications

The newly established Form I must include the following details:

1. Country of Dispatch

2. Consignor/Exporter Information:

   • Name
   • Address

3. Certificate Number

4. Recognized Authority of the Exporting Country (with contact details)

5. Consignee/Importer Information:

   • Name
   • Address

6. Country of Origin

7. Country of Destination

8. Transport and Storage Conditions

9. Product Description:

   • Name (aligning with FSSR categories)
   • Producer/Manufacturer Name and Address
   • Lot/Batch Number
   • Net Weight
   • Number of Units/Packages
   • Type of Packaging
   • Date of Manufacture/Packaging
   • Expiry Date (if relevant)

10. Product Composition

11. Intended Purpose

12. Repacking or Relabeling Information:

    • If applicable, provide details of premises for inspection clearance (YES/NO)

13. Declarations by Authorized Official: The undersigned certifies that the product meets the following:

    • No animal testing has been conducted unless specified by a Regulatory Authority.
    • Production and storage practices adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices, preventing non-vegan substances' presence.
    • Vegan and non-vegan materials are stored separately.
    • If production lines are not separate, comprehensive cleaning procedures conforming to Good Manufacturing Practices have been performed.
    • Traceability of ingredients is established.

14. Authorized Official Details:

    • Name
    • Designation
    • Date
    • Signature
    • Official Stamp

Conclusion

The proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022 aim to enhance compliance and ensure the integrity of vegan products. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in this consultation process by providing their valuable insights promptly within the specified timeframe.