New Delhi: The Government issued a regulatory clarification on imported food safety procedures after receiving information from the FSSAI under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The clarification explained how officials conduct systematic checks on food entering India to ensure compliance with the Food Safety Act, Rules and Regulations.
According to the clarification, officers examine imported food through document checks, visual inspection, sampling and laboratory testing at Customs Points of Entry. These steps confirm whether products meet safety and quality standards. They also ensure that the food is safe for human consumption, including for children. The clarification further stated that FSSAI does not keep a list of food products banned in other countries.
FSSAI outlines additive rules and emphasises systematic import inspections
The notification explained that Appendix A of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011 lists all permitted additives. The Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings and Processing Aids evaluates these additives through risk assessments before granting approval. Except for flavouring agents, the FSSAI does not maintain a negative list of additives.
Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Shri Ravneet Singh gave a written reply in the Lok Sabha. He reaffirmed that the existing protocols aim to ensure that only safe and wholesome food reaches Indian consumers.
