Through an order dated 4 May 2018, the FSSAI has issued guidelines for differentiation between the edible and non-edible ice. FSSAI has pointed out that
- non-edible ice is made from non-potable water and therefore, when used for edible purposes it can pose to be a health hazard
- Incorrect use of non-edible ice for preservation/storage/ transportation of perishable food commodities can lead to a risk of contamination of such food commodities
It has come to the notice of the FSSAI that in the absence of any visible distinction between edible and non-edible ice, the latter is being diverted and consumed as edible ice and so the FSSAI has issued a color distinction to differentiate between the edible and non-edible ice.
The standards for edible ice has been prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulation 2011 under a category of
ICE LOLLIES OR EDIBLE ICES (2.7.5) Also through an order dated 25 April 2017 the FSSAI had conveyed the fact that any ice or ice-blocks used in the preservation/ storage/ transportation of food products or any ice coming in contact with food products should conform to the microbiological requirements as prescribed for edible ice under the regulations above.
In order to check the misuse of non-edible ice as edible ice, the FSSAI has now decided that the food color Indigo Carmine or Brilliant Blue up to 10ppm will be used in the production of non-edible ice. This also applies to the non-edible ice-blocks that could come in contact with food products during preservation/ storage/ transportation of perishable food commodities. The bluish look or appearance of the non-edible ice will be a clear differentiation of it from edible ice, especially as edible ice will remain colorless.
The FSSAI has advised all food business operators that are engaged in the production or use of edible and non-edible ice to ensure this color differentiation. The color distinction of non-edible and edible ice is
- blue for non-edible ice as mentioned above
- colorless for edible ice
This distinction of color will come into effect by 1 June 2018
The FSSAI has requested all Food Safety Officers of the States and UTs to enhance surveillance and enforcement on the sale of non-edible ice as directed above and to ensure compliance with the same.
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