Understanding FSSAI’s Regulatory Update
FSSAI New Product Amendments were officially notified on July 10, 2025, and will come into effect starting February 1, 2026. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made important changes to the food products.
The new regulations make food safety standards stricter. They also bring Indian food law in line with global standards. FSSAI has updated standards for many food types. These include oils, meats, herbs, and enzymes. The changes also cover food colors and packaged drinks. This amendment marks a big shift in India’s approach to food safety. The goal is to protect consumers better while meeting international benchmarks.
What Are the Key Changes in Product Standards?
Revised FSSAI Refractive Index for Edible Oils
The refractive index of several edible oils such as palm oil and palmolein has been updated. This measure helps detect product purity and detect possible adulteration. These values, now adjusted to 40°C and 50°C benchmarks, are essential for labs and manufacturers to recalibrate compliance testing.
FSSAI Regulatory Standards for Meat Sausages
For the first time, FSSAI has laid out clear definitions and safety parameters for meat sausages, including:
- Smoked, fresh, cooked, or fermented types
- Ingredient compositions and processing methods
- Temperature-controlled storage
- Food additive and microbiological compliance
New FSSAI Standard for Dehydrated Tarragon (Vilayati Damnak)
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), a widely used herb, now has defined specifications for Indian markets, covering:
- Moisture and ash content
- Absence of foreign matter
- Minimum volatile oil level
- Specific compound requirements (estragole, methyleugenol)
FSSAI Packaged Drinking Water: Pack Size Revisions
Updates include:
- Adjusted SKU volume limits, such as 75 ml to 500 ml range under certain serial numbers
- Realignment of pack-size categories to streamline market offerings
FSSAI Additives Regulation Updation
Food Colours and Safety
FSSAI has omitted previous notes regarding the absence of harmful compounds (e.g., heavy metals) in synthetic colours like Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow, and others. However, safety regulations are now governed by broader contaminant standards from 2011.
Clarification on Synthetic Food Colour Mixtures
The new amendment defines:
- Acceptable carriers like salt, sugar, starch
- Label declarations for colour content
- Clarity and form requirements
Removal of Limits on Steviol Glycosides in Hot Beverages
Manufacturers now have greater formulation freedom in hot beverages as the 160 ppm cap for Steviol Glycosides has been removed. This is especially relevant for sugar substitute innovation in teas and herbal infusions.
Expanded List of Approved Enzymes
New enzymes from GMO and non-GMO sources have been added for various uses:
- Oil degumming
- Cheese coagulation (Chymosin)
- Egg and fish processing
- Dough and starch conversion These enzymes must pass rigorous safety screenings for contaminants.
What FBOs Must Comply With
| Area Affected | Who It Applies To | Risk of Non-Compliance |
| Revised oil indices | Oil manufacturers, labs | Adulteration flags, product rejection |
| Sausage standards | Meat processors | Legal action, product recall |
| Packaged water volume | Beverage brands | SKU ban, labeling discrepancies |
| Food colours & additives | Processed food producers | Regulatory fines, import/export issues |
| Enzyme regulation | Processed food manufacturers | Rejections, audit failures |
Food Business Operators Actions
- Food Manufacturers must adjust their formulations, testing methods, and labelling by the February 2026 deadline.
- Food Importers should validate product conformity before shipment to avoid border delays.
Whether you’re a food manufacturer updating your formulations or an food importer aligning with Indian standards Food Safety Works offers expert consulting to ensure full FSSAI compliance before the February 2026 deadline.
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