The FSSAI has issued directions dated 1 February 2019 regarding use of the terms Wheat Flour/ Whole Wheat Flour/Refined Wheat Flour as English nomenclature for Atta/Maida on the packaging labels of the food products.
The standards for Maida are prescribed in the regulation CEREALS AND CEREAL PRODUCTS (4.2) in the sub-regulation MAIDA: (2.4.2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011, wherein clause 3, Protein rich (paushtik) Maida mentions the term ‘Maida (wheat flour)’ in the definition. However, it has been observed that the Food Business Operators are using the term ‘Wheat Flour’ as the English nomenclature for Maida on the label of the food products which does not convey the exact nature of the ingredient used for manufacturing of various food items to the consumers as well as enforcement officials.
The FSSAI has received representations from various stakeholders with regard to the issuance of clarification regarding a common name viz. Wheat Flour/ Refined Wheat Flour in English for Maida. The FSSAI has examined in detail the issue of usage of the term Wheat Flour/ Whole Wheat Flour/ Refined Wheat Flour, wherever the name is used singly or as an ingredient in food items, on the packaging label of food products. Thereafter, the FSSAI has decided on the following names for strict compliance by all Food Business Operators.
- Atta should be labelled as Whole Wheat Flour (Atta) wherever the same is used singly or as an ingredient in food items
- Maida Should be labelled as ‘Refined Wheat Flour’ whenever the same is used singly or as an ingredient in food items.
Food Business Operators are directed to comply with these requirements by 30 April, 2019. Food Safety Commissioners of States and Union Territories are requested to ensure compliance of this directive. The FSSAI directive also states that no legal action should be initiated in this matter till the implementation of the same as per the time period mentioned above.
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