FSSAI has issued a letter dated 12 April 2021 regarding guidance for grant of license for manufacture / processing of Tapioca Sago and other Starches in the same premises.
FSSAI letter has referred to the issue of allowing manufacture of Tapioca Sago and Maize Globules or Blended Starch Balls in the same premises while addressing the concerns related to the adulteration of Tapioca Sago with other source of starch, namely maize.
FSSAI has reviewed this matter and has clarified that there is no prohibition on manufacturing of Tapioca Sago and other standardized starches as per FSSR in the same premises after appropriate inspection and verification of the FSMS plan and layout of the premises. However, care should be taken to rule out any chances of operational mixing or combined storage or package of these products. The FBOs shall ensure clearly demarcated, separate areas for receipt of raw material, storage and packaging and distinct processing lines, if these products are being manufactured in the same premises.
The FSSAI has also asked the Commissioners of Food Safety of all States and UTs, where there is high density of such Sago manufacturers, to keep a strict vigil on adulteration by way of regular surveillance and inspection of these premises.
The standards of Tapioca Sago and Maize Starch have already been specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The FBOs must ensure strict compliance with specified standards as per FSSR.
FSSAI has further clarified that the combination of products to formulate a Proprietary Product is allowed in cases of mixes of starches, till the time it is complying with sub-regulations 2.12 (Proprietary Food) of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011. The labels of such proprietary products shall also clearly depict and state that the product is a blend of starches along with declaration of percentage composition of each starch and the process of preparation of the blend. Further FBO should ensure that there is no confusion regarding the identity of the product (with Sago or Tapioca products) either in calligraphy or pictorials on the label of such products.
Source : FSSAI
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