FSSAI issues letter allowing correction of labels on alcoholic beverages

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a letter wherein Food Business O…

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a letter wherein Food Business Operators (FBOs) dealing in alcoholic beverages are allowed to rectify their labelling deficiencies as mentioned in import regulations.

According to the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017, in case of imported packaged food consignments, special dispensation on labelling shall be allowed for rectifiable labelling deficiencies at the Customs-bound warehouse by affixing a single non-detachable sticker or by any other non-detachable method next to the principle display panel namely:

(a) Name and address of the importer;

(b) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s logo and licence number;

(c) Non-Veg or Veg Logo;

(d) Category or sub-category along with generic name, nature and composition for proprietary food.

And there shall be statutory warning printed in English language for alcoholic beverages. Also if respective states wish the same to be printed in their local or regional language, the same shall be allowed without the need for repeating the English version. Size of statutory warning shall not be less than 3 mm says the regulation for alcoholic beverages.

It can be thus;
Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health
Be safe - Don’t drink and drive

The apex food regulator has asked all such FBOs dealing in imported alcoholic beverages to affix stickers complying the regulation.

As per the letter issued by FSSAI, the authorised officer is instructed to carry out the rectification at all Customs-bound warehouses.

It stated, "Before visual inspection or re-inspection, the officers should rectify the consignment by affixing a single non-detachable sticker or by any other non-detachable method."

It further stated, "The sticker should be placed next to the principal display panel without altering or masking the original label information in any manner."