Through a notification dated 5 March 2018, the FSSAI has issued directions regarding the extension of time period for use of existing labels for seasoning. In August 2017 the FSSAI had prescribed standards for seasoning and other products and the same had been published in the Gazette of India. Subsequently, in November 2017 the FSSAI had issued directions regarding the extension of time period for use of existing labels already printed on packaging material as “seasoning and condiments (Proprietary food).
In August 2017, FSSAI, through a gazette notification, had prescribed new standards for seasonings and other products. Accordingly, the new regulation for seasonings requires that the food product category “seasoning” to be printed on the label. “Seasoning” will replace the existing food product category, “seasoning and condiments (proprietary food)”. However, a number of FBOs continue to have in stock the labels printed as “seasoning and condiments (Proprietary food)” on the packaging material and therefore, would like to continue with these labels till they are in stock.
In this regard, the FSSAI has received a number of representations from stakeholders and after due consideration has decided to further extend the permission to use existing labels for seasoning. The existing labels for seasoning may be used up to 30 June 2018, which is also in alignment with the time allowed for the seasonings labels in instant noodles. However, the FBOs will have to comply with standards prescribed for seasoning as specified in the regulations. Currently, instant noodles labeling is continuing as Noodles (Proprietary foods) up to 30 June 2018.
According to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2017 published in September 2017, the seasoning, if it is accompanying the instant noodles, will henceforth be labeled distinctly on the package of the instants noodles. In fact, the seasoning and the noodles will be considered two separate products and will have to comply with the standards as prescribed in the amendment regulations.
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