FoodSafetyHelpline experts replied to the recent queries:
Q. May we know what’s the latest news on the product approval court case? Last known was that the Supreme court in Aug 2014 has uplifted the stay on the product approval process and the next hearing was on 14 Oct 2014. However we did not hear anything post Oct 2014. Can you Plz help!
A. Case is subjudice as no final judgment yet on this matter. As per sources, the next hearing will be sometime in February 2015 in the honorable Supreme Court of India.
Q. Is batch number of a culinary sauces as ” A” allowed in FSSAI?
A. Yes. Batch No. means a number either in numericals or alphabets or in combination thereof, preceded by the words ‘Batch No” or “Batch” or any distinguishing prefix by which the food can be traced in manufacture and identified in distribution.
Q. A small scale industrial unit (SSI) manufacturing branded chewing tobacco (khaini) in West Bengal, totally unaware of the fact that WB Govt. vide Notification dated 29.09.2014 has since prohibited manufacture, storage & sale of zarda & khaini with effect from 29.09.2014 under FSSAI Act, has continued manufacture of its product till 15.11.2014 and stopped further production on hearing about the prohibition. Kindly clarify the following points keeping in view the above facts.
1. In case of prosecution, what could be the quantum of penalty / punishment in this case considering the fact that contravention was committed without his knowledge ?
2. Whether chewing tobacco items like zarda, khaini etc. are to be considered as food under FSSAI Act, 2006 and whether there are any High Court / Supreme Court judgements in this regard ?
A. Ignorance of law is not an excuse.
In our opinion Section 58 & 59 of the FSS Act has the provision for the penalty. Under Regulation 2.3.4 of the FSS (Prohibition and restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 shall also be taken into consideration.
Q. Can I use FSSAI Lic. no. for pouch water packaging in U.P.?
A. If you are a brand owner of the product then FSSAI Logo and License no. has to be mentioned on the label.
Kaustubh says
I have fssai licence form “c” .
I want to start water pouch manufacturing in maharashtra .pls help me to know can I use this licence or not.
Dr. Saurabh Arora says
You will need BIS lic also