FSSAI GUIDELINES

Subject: Current Events

Context: From January 1, 2021 packaged drinking water players in the country will to need to ensure that their products contain minerals such as calcium and magnesium in line with the limits set by the food safety authority.

Concept:

• Earlier this year, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had decided to extend the deadline for implementation of these standards for packaged drinking water to July 1 which was further extended to January 1, 2021 due to the pandemic.
• According to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) fourth Amendment Regulations, 2019, the mandatory requirement of calcium and magnesium in packaged drinking water has been set at 20-75 mg/litre and in the range of 10-30 mg/litre respectively.
• FSSAI brought in these amendments in response to a direction from the National Green Tribunal last year.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• The FSSAI is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
• It has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
• It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
• It is headed by a non-executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.