The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially notified the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026 through a Gazette notification dated 14 May 2026. These amendments introduce important changes related to heavy metals, aflatoxins, naturally occurring toxic substances, and veterinary drug residues in food products.
The revised regulations will come into force from 1 December 2026. Therefore, Food Business Operators (FBOs), food manufacturers, importers, seafood processors, edible oil manufacturers, and food testing laboratories must start preparing for compliance well in advance.
Why This FSSAI Amendment is Important
Food contaminants and toxic residues directly impact consumer safety, export compliance, and product quality. Consequently, FSSAI regularly updates contaminant standards to align with scientific developments and international food safety practices.
The latest amendment strengthens regulatory control over:
• Heavy metal contamination in pulse flours
• Inorganic arsenic in fish oils
• Aflatoxin limits in oils and oilseeds
• Saffrole content in foods and beverages
• Veterinary drug residues in seafood products
As a result, businesses operating in these categories may need to revise their testing protocols, product specifications, and supplier verification systems.
Key Highlights of FSSAI Contaminants Amendment Regulations 2026
1. Pulse Flours Now Covered Under Lead and Cadmium Limits
FSSAI has expanded the scope of contaminant standards for pulses by specifically including pulse flours under heavy metal limits.
The amendment replaces the term:
• “Pulses” with “Pulses and Pulse flours” under Lead limits
• “Pulses, excluding soybean dry” with “Pulses and Pulse flours, excluding soybean dry” under Cadmium limits
This change is highly relevant for manufacturers involved in:
• Besan production
• Pulse flour processing
• Protein blends
• Traditional flour products
• Plant based food formulations
Previously, some businesses interpreted the standards as applicable only to whole pulses. However, FSSAI has now clarified that processed pulse flours must also comply with contaminant limits.
2. FSSAI Clarifies Inorganic Arsenic Testing in Fish Oils
FSSAI has introduced a specific note regarding inorganic arsenic limits for fish oils.
According to the amendment:
• The maximum limit for inorganic arsenic in fish oils will be 0.1 mg/kg
• If total arsenic levels remain below the prescribed limit, no additional testing is required
• If total arsenic exceeds the limit, laboratories must conduct follow up testing for inorganic arsenic compliance
This clarification simplifies regulatory interpretation and provides a practical testing approach for fish oil manufacturers, nutraceutical companies, and laboratories.
The amendment is especially important for:
• Omega 3 supplement manufacturers
• Fish oil importers
• Nutraceutical brands
• Marine ingredient suppliers
3. Revised Aflatoxin Standards for Oils and Oilseeds
FSSAI has also modified the wording related to Total Aflatoxins and Aflatoxin B1 standards.
The revised text now clearly separates:
• Oils and oilseeds meant for further processing
• Ready to eat oilseeds
This update reduces ambiguity and improves regulatory clarity for edible oil businesses and oilseed processors.
The amendment may impact:
• Groundnut processors
• Sesame seed businesses
• Sunflower seed manufacturers
• Oil extraction units
• Ready to eat seed snack manufacturers
Businesses must ensure that aflatoxin testing aligns with the revised product categorization.
4. New Saffrole Limit for Foods and Beverages Containing Nutmeg or Mace
One of the most notable updates in the amendment relates to Saffrole limits.
FSSAI has now prescribed a maximum limit of 10 mg/kg for beverages and foods containing mace and/or nutmeg kernel as ingredients.
This amendment is particularly relevant for:
• Beverage manufacturers
• Flavoured drink brands
• Bakery and confectionery businesses
• Herbal product manufacturers
• Nutraceutical companies
• Traditional food manufacturers
Since nutmeg and mace are commonly used in flavouring systems, businesses should carefully evaluate their formulations before the implementation date.
5. New Veterinary Drug Residue Limits for Seafood Products
FSSAI has strengthened seafood safety standards by introducing additional residue limits for veterinary drugs.
Trimethoprim Residue Limit
The amendment now extends Trimethoprim limits to:
• Shrimps
• Prawns
• Fish
• Fishery products
• Other seafood categories
The prescribed limit is 0.05 mg/kg.
Oxolinic Acid Residue Limit Introduced
FSSAI has also inserted a completely new entry for Oxolinic Acid in seafood products.
The prescribed limit is:
• 0.3 mg/kg for seafood products including shrimps, prawns, fish, and fishery products
This amendment is expected to improve surveillance of aquaculture products and strengthen seafood export compliance.
Impact on Food Businesses
The FSSAI amendment regulations will directly affect several sectors of the food industry, including:
• Pulse flour manufacturers
• Seafood exporters
• Fish oil processors
• Nutraceutical companies
• Edible oil manufacturers
• Beverage brands
• Food importers
• Food testing laboratories
Companies operating in these categories should begin reviewing their compliance systems immediately.
What Food Businesses Should Do Now
To ensure smooth compliance before 1 December 2026, Food Business Operators should take proactive action.
Recommended compliance measures include:
• Review contaminant and residue testing plans
• Update raw material specifications
• Reassess supplier approval systems
• Conduct product wise compliance gap analysis
• Coordinate with NABL accredited laboratories
• Revalidate formulations containing nutmeg or mace
• Strengthen seafood residue monitoring systems
• Train regulatory and quality assurance teams
Early preparation will help businesses avoid non compliance risks, product recalls, and regulatory observations.
Effective Date of the Amendment
The Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026 will officially come into force from 1 December 2026.
Therefore, food businesses should start implementing corrective and preventive measures now to ensure full compliance before the enforcement deadline.
Conclusion
The FSSAI Contaminants, Toxins and Residues Amendment Regulations, 2026 introduce important updates that strengthen food safety oversight across multiple product categories.
From pulse flours and fish oils to seafood products and flavoured beverages, the amendments reflect FSSAI’s continued focus on contaminant control, consumer safety, and regulatory harmonization.
Businesses that proactively review their testing systems, formulations, and compliance procedures will be better positioned to meet the upcoming regulatory requirements smoothly and efficiently.
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