The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has, in a notification dated 30th April, 2019, extended the time period for usage of the term Wheat Flour (Atta) and Refined Wheat Flour (Maida) on labels of food products by 3 months i.e. till 31st July, 2019.
The FSSAI has also issued certain changes for the manner of usage of terms for Atta and Maida while labelling of food products as follows:
Key Highlights:
- The matter regarding nomenclature of “Atta” has been reconsidered by the Scientific Committee and it has been decided to replace the nomenclature of Atta as “Wheat Flour” instead of “Whole Wheat Flour”.
- It has also been decided that in case the labels are in Devnagri Script, the word “आटा” or “मैदा” may be used in place of Wheat Flour (Atta) and Refined Wheat Flour (Maida) respectively.
Background:
As reported by us earlier, a transition period of 3 months, i.e., up to 30th April 2019 was given to the Food Business Operators to comply with the directions with regard to labelling of food products. Representations have been received from various Industry Associations and Food Business Operators for extension of the time period for compliance of the said direction. The FSSAI, after considering the submissions of the FBO, decided to provide an extension of time period for another 3 months, i.e., up to 31st July 2019 for compliance of the same.
Source: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
