Why in the News?

FSSAI has mandated the immediate removal of any claims stating ‘100% fruit juices’ from labels and advertisements of reconstituted fruit juices by all Food Business Operators (FBOs).
- FBOs must utilize existing pre-printed packaging materials before September 1, 2024, to comply with the directive.

Compliance Guidelines on Fruit Juices

Products falling under this standard must be labelled as per the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
The term “reconstituted” must be specified in the ingredient list for juices reconstituted from concentrate.
Additionally, if the product contains added nutritive sweeteners exceeding 15 gm/kg, it must be labelled as ‘Sweetened juice’.

Misleading Marketing Practices: FSSAI has observed numerous FBOs inaccurately labelling various types of reconstituted fruit juices as 100% fruit juices.
Regulatory Assessment: Upon evaluation, FSSAI determined that such claims are misleading, especially when the major ingredient is water, and the primary ingredient is present in limited concentrations or when the juice is reconstituted using water and fruit concentrates or pulp.

The FSSAI is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006, which consolidates various acts and orders that have hitherto handled food-related issues in various ministries and departments.
FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

Setting Standards: FSSAI sets standards for food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import, to ensure that food items are safe for consumption.
Licensing and Registration: FSSAI grants licenses and registrations to food businesses based on their compliance with food safety standards and regulations.
Inspections and Monitoring: FSSAI conducts inspections, surveillance, and monitoring of food products and food businesses to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Awareness and Education: FSSAI works towards creating awareness about food safety and hygiene among food businesses and consumers. It provides information and education programs to promote safe food handling practices.
Research and Development: FSSAI undertakes research and development activities related to food safety and standards.

“Heart Attack Rewind”: This is FSSAI’s inaugural mass media campaign, designed to support its goal of eliminating trans-fat from India by 2022.
FSSAI-CHIFSS Collaboration: FSSAI has partnered with the CII-HUL Initiative on Food Safety Sciences to foster collaborations between industry, the scientific community, and academia to enhance food safety.
State Food Safety Index (SFSI): Developed by FSSAI, the SFSI evaluates states’ performance on five key parameters of food safety: Human Resources and Institutional Data, Compliance, Food Testing Infrastructure and Surveillance, Training & Capacity Building, and Consumer Empowerment.
Eat Right India Movement: This is a joint initiative by the Government of India and FSSAI aimed at revolutionizing the country’s food system to ensure safe, healthy, and sustainable food for all citizens.
Eat Right Station Certification: FSSAI awards this certification to railway stations that meet the benchmarks outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, ensuring the provision of safe and wholesome food to passengers.

[2018] Consider the following statements:

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2