FSSAI Brings New Regulations for Organic Food Products
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) is planning to come out with a draft regulation, for proper
certification of organic food in India
India: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made a
draft regulation for organic food products which would ensure safety and
certification of the organic food produced. As per the draft, the organization
has planned to keep one trained and certified food safety supervisor, for
hotels and restaurants, mandatorily. The organization has planned to tie up
with Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI) to launch a
training program of the master trainers. The organization is trying to ensure
food safety and healthy nutrition to prevent food borne infections and diseases along
with complete nutrition.
The organization has made the umbrella
regulations, as traceability is an important factor for organic food. The food
association is also trying to explore feasibility of mentioning calorie and
other nutritional value in the food menu.
TechSci Research depicts that the increasing
demand for the organic food and multiple certifications have become a hindrance
for exporters and importers. The exporting country also has its own
certification standards and thus, organic food manufacturers must secure dual
certifications, which poses a challenge of getting food certified both in the
home country as well as in the exporting country. Furthermore, the demand of
organic food and beverages across the globe is increasing, due to various
health benefits associated with it and consequently organic agriculture system
is gaining popularity throughout the world. This is leading to a tremendous
growth in the imports and exports across the countries.
According to a recently published report by TechSci Research, “India Organic Food Market By Product Type, Competition Forecast and
Opportunities, 2011 - 2021”, the market
for organic food in India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 25% during
2016–2021, on account of changing food consumption patterns and increasing
instances of contamination of farm produce with chemical fertilizers and
pesticides, surging investments in organic food market and rising use of bio
fertilizers. Organic pluses and food grains segment dominates India organic
food market, as pulses and food grains form an important part of staple diets
in India. Further, West India is anticipated to continue dominating the organic
food in the country through 2021, on account of high disposable income levels
and rising health consciousness among consumers in the region.