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Context:

The Union Health Minister informed the Lok Sabha that the added sugar in Nestlé baby products complies with the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. He emphasised that the sugar limits comply with global standards established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Details

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took suo motu cognisance of a Swiss NGO's report raising concerns about added sugar in wheat-based baby products. Based on this, the FSSAI conducted inspections of manufacturing facilities in April 2024.

The FSSAI inspections discovered that the added sugar in Nestlé's baby products was in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act)

The main objective is to ensure food safety and consumer protection, to regulate food manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import, and to establish science-based standards for food articles. The Act applies throughout the food value chain, ensuring hygiene, safety, and quality.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the FSS Act, 2006. It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

FSSAI is in charge of developing food safety standards, licensing and regulating food businesses, conducting inspections and audits, informing stakeholders about food safety, and monitoring food recalls, testing, and labelling.

Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations 2020

It regulates the production, marketing, and sale of foods made for infants under the age of two.

It ensures that infant food meets nutritional and safety standards.

It prohibits false claims and promotes breastfeeding.

It sets limits for key nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as prohibits certain additives like artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

What safeguards are in place to ensure compliance with infant food regulations?

To ensure compliance with infant food regulations, manufacturers must obtain FSSAI approval, and products are subjected to stringent monitoring via batch-wise sampling. Labels must include clear preparation instructions and warnings, and artificial additives and misleading advertisements are strictly prohibited.

Why are food safety regulations important?

The food safety regulations protect public health, maintain consumer confidence, align Indian food safety practices with global standards, and ensure infants receive safe and adequate nutrition, thus lowering malnutrition and health risks.

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FSSAI

Source: 

The Hindu