FSSAI has issued directions dated 2 July 2021 regarding clarification on coconut water. FSSAI has drawn attention to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products and Additives) Tenth Amendment Regulations 2020 which is dated 29 December 2020 where in the Note for coconut water under the regulation 2.3.6 FRUIT JUICES after the Table at number (4) says that “this product is “coconut water” which is obtained from the tender coconut without expressing the coconut meat”. The date for the implementation of the said regulation mentioned as above is 1 July 2021.
However, representations have been received by FSSAI from various stakeholders stating that both the tender and natural coconuts are used for processing coconut water and the difference is just based on the maturity. Hence the source of coconut water shall be from mature coconut or a blend of tender and mature coconut which could meet the standards specified for “Coconut Water” as per regulation 2.3.6 (4).
After due consideration, the FSSAI has decided to change the Note (mentioned above) as “the product “coconut water” which is obtained from coconut without expressing the coconut meat” so as to address the concern of stakeholders.
About Coconut Water
Consumers sometimes get confused between coconut water and coconut milk. However, the difference is that coconut water is a natural product which is obtained from inside the coconut, whereas coconut milk is a processed product, mostly used in culinary.
Coconut water is becoming quite popular as health-conscious consumers consume it as a natural alternative to sugary beverages. Also, coconut water is considered to be rich in carbohydrates and electrolytes such as potassium. Consuming coconut water on a regular basis helps to maintain electrolyte balance. In Ayurveda coconut is considered to be good for digestion.
Besides drinking coconut water straight from the fruit, consumers now have the option to go in for packaged coconut water. However, to get the full benefits of coconut water ensure that it is not made from coconut concentrate but should be pure coconut water. Packaged coconut water that is natural and has no additives like sugar, nutrients or flavours is more popular with consumers.
Source : FSSAI
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