Through directions issued on 6 July 2017, the FSSAI has stated that it has finalized the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2017 and has operationalized the standards for Non-carbonated Water Based Beverages (Non-Alcoholic) with immediate effect.
The FSSAI had framed the draft standards for the same and the draft regulation had already been notified on 10 October 2016 and comments and suggestions had been invited. These amendment regulations have now been finalized and are likely to be notified soon. The FSSAI has stated that it has operationalized these standards to ‘facilitate the expeditious introduction of new products covered under this product category’.
Since the standards for Non-carbonated Water Based Beverages (Non-Alcoholic) are operationalized as of 6 July 2017 all FBOs must follow the standards as specified. However, the enforcement of these regulations will begin only after their official notification in the Gazette of India.
In Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 under regulation titled BEVERAGES ( Other than Dairy And Fruits and Vegetable based) in the category of ‘Caffeinated Beverages’ the FSSAI has added the standards for Non-Carbonated Water Based Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)
Non-Carbonated Water Based Beverages (Non-Alcoholic) means beverages containing water conforming to the standards prescribed for packaged drinking water under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) 2011 Regulation without added carbon dioxide and may contain any of the ingredients listed below
Permitted ingredients in Non-carbonated water-based beverages
- sugar
- liquid glucose
- dextrose monohydrate
- invert sugar
- Fructose
- Honey
- Salt and salt substitutes
- Fruits, flowers and vegetables and their products including extractives herbs, spices, and their derivatives
- permitted flavoring singly or in combination
In the formulation of products in the category of Non-carbonated water, caffeine may be used but it must not exceed 145 ppm from whatever sources it may be derived.
If any herbs are used in the formulation of non-carbonated water then they must comply with the safety requirements as specified in the FSSA 2006 and regulations made under. The use of the herb must be declared in the label.
NOTE: Data for the toxicological analysis must be provided to FSSAI for approval if any other herbs are used in these beverages other than those specified in the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016.
The beverages must not contain any psychotropic substances as defined in the Schedule to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 (61 of 1985) and the rules made thereunder and substances listed in Schedule E and E1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945.
Microbiological Requirements for Non-carbonated Water Based Beverages (Non-Alcoholic
Sr.No | Parameters | Limits |
1. | Total plate count per ml | Not more than 50 CFU per ml |
2. | Yeast and mould count per ml | Not more than 2 CFU per ml |
3. | Coliform count | Absent in 100ml |
Non-carbonated beverages must be free of pathogens.
Food Additives
The above products may contain specific food additives permitted in Appendix A of these regulations but they must be used within the limits specified in the regulations.
Food Hygiene
The product shall conform to the microbiological requirement given in Appendix B of these regulations.
Packaging & Labelling
The product covered by this standard shall be labeled in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging & Labelling) Regulation, 2011.
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