FSSAI Amends Food Safety and Standards Regulations: New Standards for Mozzarella Cheese and Neera

FSSAI Amends Food Safety and Standards Regulations: New Standards for Mozzarella Cheese and Neera

FSSAI has issued a notification amending the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The amendment introduces revised standards for Mozzarella Cheese, categorizing it based on fat content. It also establishes microbiological standards for Neera, a processed palm sap beverage, to ensure its safety and quality. These changes aim to enhance food safety and protect consumer interests.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notification on October 21, 2024, amending the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. This amendment introduces new standards for Mozzarella Cheese, categorizing it based on fat content. It also establishes microbiological revised standards for Neera, a processed palm sap beverage, to ensure its safety and quality. Key Changes: # Mozzarella Cheese:

• Revised specification in the standards for for low moisture and high moisture Mozzarella Cheese based on fat in dry matter content.
• Qualifiers like "Partially Skimmed," "Medium Fat," "Full Fat," and "High Fat" will be used to indicate fat content.

# Neera:

• Microbiological standards have been set for Neera, including limits for Aerobic Plate Count, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes.
• Sampling plans and guidelines are provided for both regulators and food business operators.

#Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Rice flour and Vitamin and Mineral Premix (VMP) for preparation of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) Standards and specifications for FRK, rice flour and VMP for preparation of FRK are specified for compliance. These changes aim to enhance food safety, protect consumer interests, and ensure the quality of these food products.