FSSAI is not allowing imported food products to be sold in India, reason, they are not meeting the required labeling requirements like declaration of product type, nutritional values, price etc on the packaged label. Imported food items like chocolates, biscuits, cheese etc. are not bearing the required information on the label instead there is a sticker affixed on the products.
The situation does not seem to be going right for the importers as this issue is already pending for the last three months. The authorities are not ready for the distribution of such imported food products, if all the required information is not available on the product label and affixing a sticker on the product will not be enough to comply the standards. Large hoard of stocks are lying in government warehouses and no further distribution to the Indian markets is happening.
The issue has involved the embassies of various countries and the delegates from different countries are in talks with the Indian Authorities for releasing the stock. The embassies of US and EU are taking this matter very seriously as they think if the issue left unresolved then the trade between India and their regions will impact the sale of important products in India. The importers are debating the matter on the judgment where a reputed court in India has said that the imported food items are eligible to be sold in India with an affixed sticker to meet the norms.
FSSAI is going very strict this time in compliance to the latest regulations issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Importers are taking a big toll on their business as they were expecting good business on Diwali on products like chocolates, biscuits etc, as people gift such items rather than conventional sweet items. There is a large audience for the imported food products in India and people may not have the access to their favorite food products like Lindt chocolates on Christmas and New Year, if the issue stays unresolved.
FSSAI refusing to compromise and wants every food business operator to comply with the food safety norms in order to ensure the safety and security of the Indian people.
Arvind Kumar says
FSSAI has done a great Job. There has to be 100% compliance of the rules which are made for ensuring safety of the public. These rules should have come much earlier in India. The suppliers must know the rules of the land where they intend to sell the products. Complying these rules means Indian buyers and the Indian authorities are respected.
One question: Are the imported food products tested in India for contents v/s claims on the label before they are released for sales?
FSH Team says
Hi Arvind,
Yes, all imported food items are tested before they are made available for further distribution in India.
Arvind Kumar says
Dear FSH Team,
Thank you for confirmation. Just two questions:
1. The ingredients are tested for what specifically, before they are made available for further distribution in India?
2. Are the reports of such tests made available to pubic or posted on website?
Thank you,
Arvind Kumar says
Dear FSH Team,
Thank you for confirmation. Just two questions:
1. The ingredients are tested for what specifically, before they are made available for further distribution in India?
2. Are the reports of such tests made available to pubic or posted on website?
Thank you,
Arvind Kumar says
Dear FSH Team,
Thank you for confirmation. Just two questions:
1. The ingredients are tested for what specifically, before they are made available for further distribution in India?
2. Are the reports of such tests made available to pubic or posted on website?
Thank you,
FSH Team says
Dear Mr. Kumar,
Sharing below the links for your purpose:
http://fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Import_Manual%20%2817.10.13%29.pdf
http://fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Import_Data%2830.01.14%29.pdf
Arvind Kumar says
Dear FSH Team,
I request for response on this question since my initial question was: Are the imported food products tested in India for contents v/s claims on the label before they are released for sales?. You have answered that yes, these are tested. But whether the tests include the contents v/s claims on the label.
Request your answer.
Thanks.