The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued directions under section 16(5) of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 regarding use of Paullinia cupana(Guarana)as a source of caffeine. In reference to its order dated 31st December 2018 [F.NO.Stds/Nutra(DCGI)/FSSAI-2017(Pt 1)]which directed FBOs to discontinue the use of Paullinia cupana in the products covered under Nutraceutical Regulations with immediate effect due to lack of adequate data that includes history of its safe usage in India in a span of 15 years and the specific advantage of these plants over already listed Indian plants/botanicals. FSSAI through its further order dated 10th May 2019[F.NO.Stds/Nutra(DCGI)/FSSAI-2017(Pt 1)] came up with the directions that an ingredient which is not allowed for inclusion in Nutraceutical regulations vide directions dated 29.12.2017, 29.06.2018, 24.08.2018 and 31.12.2018 is not allowed to be used in any food product except in a case where its use is specifically permitted by other regulations under Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
Eventually, FSSAI with the approval of Competent Authority issued directions along with partial modifications on 10th May 2021 and gave the following information;
- Paullinia cupana(Guarana)as a source of caffeine is allowed as long as the caffeine isolated and purified has the same structure and properties as the pure caffeine. The level of caffeine sourced from Guarana must comply with the guidelines of FSSR.
- Guarana extract with standardized content of caffeine along with other active components are to be used either as a supplement or as a nutraceutical ingredient. Primarily, such ingredients shall need prior approval under NSF&FI Regulations.
Suffice is to say that this direction will supersede earlier direction of even number dated 10th May 2021[F.NO.Stds/Nutra(DCGI)/FSSAI-2017(Pt 1)]with respect to use of Paullinia cupana(Guarana)as a source of caffeine.
Leave a Reply