The Food Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) has reclassified food grade packaging as critical to food safety in its inspection checklists. To strengthen the food safety aspects on packaging. This notification was updated on April 3, 2025.
Which Food Business Operator (FBO) needs to know?
This applies to general manufacturing, dairy, meat, fish processing, and catering, emphasizing packaging’s role in food safety Previously non-critical packaging will now face stricter compliance checks.
What is Made Mandatory?
Businesses must use food- grade materials with a Certificate of Conformity from an NABL-accredited lab as per FSS (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
To prevent the non-compliance on the packaging, FSSAI has made a penalty for non-compliance on the inspection score during the food inspections. Inspection scoring increases from 2 to 4 points, reinforcing safe packaging’s role in preventing contamination
A new point has been added to the checklists: “Product shall be processed and packed using food grade packaging material in a hygienic manner. Packaging material used shall have a Certificate of Conformity issued by NABL accredited laboratory against the FSS (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
Recommended action plans for FBOs Check for Records.
With this amendment, food businesses must prioritize compliance, ensuring their packaging meets regulatory standards.
Proper documentation and certification are key to passing inspections.
Food grade packaging materials should be sourced from vendors who can provide NABL accredited certificate for the materials.
Organize, Educate and train the internal team on the report evaluations, record management, and conduct frequent internal audits to keep yourself compliances.
Fore Words
This Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) Reclassifies “Food Grade Packaging as Critical” to Food Safety, this assures the high-quality and certified food packaging are used in the food product and keeps the risk of contaminations lower. This move strengthens food safety in India, ensuring consumers receive safe, high-quality products.
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