FSSAI has amended the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, to further strengthen food safety standards in India. The amendment introduces stricter limits for contaminants like Ochratoxin A and Deoxynivalenol in certain food products. Additionally, it prohibits the use of certain veterinary drugs in food animals and sets maximum residue limits for others. These measures aim to protect public health and ensure the safety of food products.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notification on October 17, 2024, amending the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011. The amendment, effective from April 1, 2025, introduces several key changes to strengthen food safety standards:
- Stricter Limits for Contaminants: The maximum permissible limits for contaminants like Ochratoxin A and Deoxynivalenol in specific food products have been reduced.
- Prohibition of Veterinary Drugs: The use of certain veterinary drugs, including antibiotics and other substances, is now prohibited in food animals.
- Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs): MRLs have been established for various veterinary drugs to ensure safe levels in food products.
These amendments aim to protect public health by minimizing exposure to harmful contaminants and residues in food.