FSSAI Sets July 1 as the Annual Date for Labelling and Display Regulation Amendments
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced that any amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 will come into effect starting July 1 every year. This initiative is designed to streamline compliance for Food Business Operators (FBOs) and empower consumers to make informed choices about the food they consume.
This fixed annual date provides a clear timeline for FBOs to implement labelling changes, ensuring a minimum 180-day window between the notification of amendments and their enforcement. This gives businesses ample time to prepare, make operational adjustments, and manage costs effectively.
One of the major challenges faced by FBOs has been the use of pre-printed packaging materials, which often leads to waste and operational inefficiencies when regulations change frequently. By aligning the enforcement of amendments with the start of the financial year, FSSAI has taken a business-friendly approach. This allows companies to use existing packaging materials over a longer period, reducing unnecessary waste and supporting environmental sustainability by lowering the carbon footprint from frequent packaging changes.
For consumers, this move enhances transparency in food labelling, ensuring they have clear and accurate information about the products they purchase. It builds trust in the food industry and boosts confidence in the safety and quality of food items available in the market.
This proactive measure by FSSAI not only promotes ease of doing business but also aligns with its mission of safeguarding public health. By simplifying compliance and promoting sustainability, FSSAI continues to strengthen the trust between food businesses and their consumers.
With this impactful initiative, both FBOs and consumers stand to benefit, making the Indian food industry more reliable, sustainable, and consumer-friendly.
