To prevent expired or rejected food items from being resold or rebranded for public consumption, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to all licensed food manufacturers and importers. These businesses must now submit quarterly data on such products through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
The new directive, issued on December 16, aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the food supply chain. It applies to all FSSAI-licensed food manufacturers, including repackers and relabellers, as well as importers. The initiative focuses on three critical areas:
- Products Failing Quality Checks: Quantity of items that do not meet internal quality standards or inspections.
- Expired or Returned Products: Volume of goods that have expired or been returned from the supply chain.
- Disposal Records: Detailed information on the disposal process, such as destruction, auctioning for non-human use, or alternative utilization. This must include specific details of buyers or waste disposal agencies.
The FSSAI emphasized that this step will help track rejected and expired products in real-time, ensuring they are not misused or sold for human consumption.
Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to consolidate and maintain accurate records of these items. While the provision for online submission is yet to be activated, FSSAI has urged FBOs to prepare the necessary data in advance. This will allow for prompt submission once the portal is live and ensure compliance with the new requirement.
FSSAI stated in its communication, “The provision for submitting such data will be activated soon. Meanwhile, food business operators are requested to start compiling data for various categories to ensure timely submission when required.”
The move is expected to significantly reduce the risk of expired or rejected food items being misused. By requiring detailed disposal records, FSSAI aims to maintain food safety standards and protect consumers from potential health hazards.
To comply with this directive, FBOs are encouraged to make necessary arrangements for record-keeping and ensure the information is accurate and readily accessible. Any delays in future submissions may result in regulatory action.
This initiative underscores FSSAI’s commitment to strengthening food safety measures and building trust among consumers by promoting transparency and accountability within the industry.