In view of the reports that a large number of Food Business Operators (FBOs) are engaged with the unauthorized addition of harmful substances like; Grass, Stone Powder, Jaggery Residue etc. into Cumin, the Apex Food Regulator FSSAI has issued a letter for the surveillance and enforcement activities.
The FSSAI has taken a grave cognizance of this issue; therefore to curb the menace of such kind of activities have requested the Commissioners of Food Safety of all states/UTs for the regular surveillance and enforcement activities. The food regulator wants to ensure the availability of safe food which is fit for human consumption.
As per the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, the standards for ‘Cumin’ clearly states; ‘The product shall be free from added colour and harmful substances’ as mentioned under regulation 2.9.8 of the said regulations.
The FSSAI has further mentioned that if samples are found to be non-conforming then action will be taken as per the provisions of Chapter IX (OFFENCES & PENALTIES) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FSSAI has also asked for the Action Taken Report which will be to be communicated to the Central Office of the Food Authority by 31.12.2019 in a specified format as provided in an annexure.
Regulation 2.9.8 of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 have specified the standards & product characteristics for Cumin as; The Cumin (Zeera, Kalonji), Cumin (Safed Zeera) Powder, Cumin Black (Kalonji) whole, Cumin Black (Kalonji) powder.
Source: FSSAI
Leave a Reply