FSSAI implements abeyance on dietary Fibre, Alcoholic acidity etc

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has come up with direction under Section 16(5) and 18(2)(d) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for keeping in abeyance the compliance of quality parameters such as ‘Alcoholic acidity’ and ‘Total Dietary fiber’ in Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet Flour), Jowar Flour (Sorghum Flour), Multigrain flour (Atta), Mixed millet flour. Additionally, the revised ‘Moisture content’ specifications for mixed millet flour have been re-operationalized.

Attention has been drawn to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulation 2021, as well as the Fifth Amendment Regulations 2021. Both issued on March 4th and November 15th of 2021 respectively, they regulate standards for Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet Flour), Jowar Flour (Sorghum Flour), Multigrain flour (atta) and Mixed millet flour. All food business operators are required to adhere to these regulations starting from January 1st 2022 and June 1st 2022 respectively.

On 27 July 2022, according to Section 16(5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, a directive was issued postponing the enforcement of several parameters until 31 December 2022.

• ‘Alcoholic acidity’ for Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet Flour), Jowar Flour (Sorghum Flour), Multigrain flour (atta) and Mixed millet flour; 
• ‘Total dietary fibre‘ for Mixed millet flour.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority has revised the maximum limit of moisture content in Mixed millet flour to 13% from 27.07.2022 in accordance with Section 18(2)(d) of the FSS Act, which will take immediate effect. As data submitted by stakeholders is under examination, the date of enforcement of provisions (‘Alcoholic acidity’ and ‘Total dietary fibre’) in the direction dated 27.07.2022 is further extended for a period of 6 months i.e. till 30.06.2023 and the provision ( Moisture content) in the direction dated 27.07.2022 is re-operationalized with effect from 27.01.2023.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 grants the Competent Authority the power to approve this issue under Sections 16(5) and 18(2)(d).

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