In a recent Order dated 25th January, 2019, the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has banned the use of staple pins in tea bags.
The FSSAI has clarified that the blanket extension of further time period for implementation of the order dated 15th November, 2017 will not be given to the Food Business Operators (“FBOs”). Extension of time may only be given on a case to case basis depending on the firm commitment from the FBOs with proper proof to change over within a specified time.
Further, all FBOs in tea bag manufacturing are directed to submit their plan to change over to the new system by purchasing new machines or modifying the existing machines.
Background:
In Orders dated 18th July, 2018 and 15th November, 2017 the Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) were directed to discontinue manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of stapled tea bags by 30th June, 2019.
Source: Food Safety Standard Authority of India