The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the powers conferred by Section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has the authority to frame or amend regulations with the approval of the Central Government. In line with this, the FSSAI has outlined decisions regarding the implementation timelines for amendments in labeling provisions during its 45th Food Authority Meeting.
Implementation Timeline for Labelling Amendments
The Food Authority has decided that amendments related to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations and any labeling changes specified under other FSS Regulations will come into force starting 1st July, provided there is a minimum of 180 days from the date of notification. This timeline is set to ensure adequate preparation time for compliance by stakeholders.
Exceptions for Emergency Situations
In cases of emergencies, the decision for implementation or enforcement of amendments will be evaluated and addressed on a case-to-case basis, considering the urgency and nature of the situation.
The Bottom Line
The decisions made by the FSSAI during its 45th meeting reflect a balanced approach, ensuring that businesses have adequate time to comply with new labeling requirements while also retaining the flexibility to address urgent situations effectively. These measures aim to enhance food safety and consumer awareness through clear and consistent labeling practices.
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