A new advisory has been issued by FSSAI on 21st November, 2014 with regard to the extension of date for prosecution if limit of iron filings in tea is found to be above permissible limits. The date has been extended to 23rd May 2015 and till such time no enforcement staff can prosecute anyone dealing in tea if iron filings are found within the limit of 150mg/kg. This date will be relevant for the 150mg/kg permissible limit of iron filings in tea till further notification by FSSAI. This order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority by virtue of power conferred on FSSAI under sec. 16(5) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Tea Board had made a representation vide D.O. No. RL-20 (360)/2010/3954 dated 5th November 2012 regarding the presence of iron filings in tea. After this representation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has given a lot of attention to the presence of iron filings in tea.
The tea traders have also been pushing to increase the permissible limit of iron filings in tea to international limits. However, the initial report of the National Institute of Nutrition has provided some hope for the traders. The permissible limit of iron filings at 150mg per kilogram of tea fixed temporarily by FSSAI may not be what the tea traders expected but they are now awaiting the final report by NIN. Traders in both loose tea and packaged tea powder have been dealing with the rejection of tea consignments if a higher quantum of iron filings than permissible limit, was found in their consignment.
According to the safety norms of those countries that are strict about food safety the permissible limits of iron filings is fixed between 120mg/kg to 500mg/kg. This limit has been set because it is evident that zero tolerance is not possible in tea.
The FSSAI after due consideration has placed the maximum permissible limit of iron filings at 150mg/kg. This limit has been set only till such time
- As the detailed study, pending with the National Institution of Nutrition is not completed
- Also the apex Food Authority’s relevant panel has not yet come up with an assessment
As per Food Safety Regulations, tea products are required to be
- Analysed by an NABL/FSSAI notified lab on total Ash, Water Soluble Ash, Water Extract, Crude Fibre etc.
- Checked for Metal Contaminants, Mycotoxins, Naturally Occuring Toxin Substances and Pesticide Residues as well.
Shailendra Dashore says
FSAAI Delhi issued an order on dated 02.11.17 to withdraw all cases launched prior to 19.05.216 related to iron filling in tea. But Madhya Pradesh food comissioner not yet taken any action on that order.
We have the same case in Indore court and the final judgement will be on 17.08.22, I sent so many mails to FSSAI Delhi/Bhopal but could not get the reply.
Please advice.
S.K.Dashore
9826398209