Context: Food regulator FSSAI has proposed amendments in import regulations, making registration and audit mandatory for foreign food manufacturing facilities that exports certain categories of food products to India.

• The categories of food products would be specified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) from time to time based on the risk.
• The FSSAI has sought comments from public on its draft regulations ‘Food Safety and Standards (Import) Amendment Regulations, 2020’
• It seeks to amend the import regulations of 2017.
• Food Authority may from time to time based on the risk specify the categories of food products to be exported to India, for which inspection or audit of Foreign Food manufacturing facilities producing such categories of foods shall be mandatory.
• The foreign food manufacturing facilities falling under such categories and desirous to export such article of food to India should register with the food authority before exporting to India.
• Foreign Food manufacturing facility either directly or through importer may apply for registration.
• Foreign food manufacturing facility found to be in compliance of Food Safety and Standards Act would be registered for five years.
• Foreign Food manufacturing facility which requires mandatory audit shall get their facility audited by the auditing agency recognized by the Food Authority.
• FSSAI also proposes suspension or cancellation of registration if foreign food manufacturing facility or their food products are found not to be in compliance of food safety law.
• However, food authority might review the suspension or cancellation after giving opportunity for hearing or clarification, as deemed fit.

About FSSAI:

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
• The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
• FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/fssai-proposes-amendments-in-import-regulations-for-food-products/article33122849.ece?homepage=true

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