Through a letter dated 22 May 2018 the FSSAI has clarified the requirements for rectifiable labeling information for imported food consignments with a view to facilitating trade while ensuring the safety of food imported into India. The FSSAI has decided that in addition to the rectification of labelling deficiencies provided under (Chapter III Ref 6 -4) ‘Compliance with standards for packaging and labelling’ of the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017 the following labelling deficiencies in respect of imported food consignments may also be allowed to be rectified at Custom bound warehouses before visual inspection or re-inspection by the Authorized Officer or his representative. Rectification will be carried out
- by affixing a single non-detachable sticker or any other non-detachable method placed next to the principal display panel
- without altering or masking the original label information in any way
Rectification of Name and complete address of the manufacturer and or packer
- If only the names of the manufacturers and or packers and not their complete addresses are given in the labels then their address may be verified from other relevant documents like invoices, ingredient lists, certificates of analysis, Bills of entry etc. and rectification may be allowed after taking an undertaking from importers on FICS or e-Sanchit, stating that the contents of the said documents are genuine and true
- In case the phrase ‘Distributed by/Shipped by/ Exported by, are used on the label instead of the phrase ‘Manufactured by’ then rectification may be allowed after taking an undertaking from the importer on FICS or e-Sanchit, stating that the manufacturer is the same as the distributor or shipper or exporter or packer.
Rectification of Lot/Code/ Batch identification
In case the Lot/Code/ Batch is not specified but a number is printed on the label, rectification may be allowed after taking an undertaking from the importer on the FICS or e-Sanchit which states that the number appearing on the label is the Lot/Code/ Batch number as the case might be.
Rectification of Date of manufacturing/packing
In case the date of manufacture is embedded in the batch number/lot number/ code number or if the date of the manufacturer is not given on the label, it may be verified from the relevant documents like certificate of analysis, declaration from manufacturer, etc. that are uploaded on FICS or e-Sanchit and rectification may be allowed after a taking an undertaking from the importer on FICS or e-Sanchit, stating that the contents of the said documents are genuine and true.
Rectification of Declaration Regarding Food Additives
In case specific name or international numerical identification is given but class title is not specified and if the importer submits declaration on FICS or e-Sanchit from the manufacturer regarding the same or it is verified from the relevant documents like invoice, certificate of analysis, ingredients list, etc. then the rectification may be allowed after taking an undertaking from the importer on the FICS or e-Sanchit stating that the contents of the said declaration are genuine and true.
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