High Risk Food

About High Risk Food:

• Food products that come under the “High Risk” category are subjected to mandatory risk-based inspections.
• They include dairy, meat, fish egg, and food items intended for nutritional use, prepared food, Indian sweets and nutrients, and related preparations such as fortified rice kernel.
• In its order, the FSSAI has made amendments in its Risk-Based Inspection Policy to include the packaged drinking water and mineral water categories.
• This means that these products will now be subject to mandatory inspections and third-party audits.
• All centrally licensed manufacturers under high-risk food categories shall get their businesses audited annually.
• This aims to improve the safety and quality standards of these products for consumers.
• Previously, the packaged drinking water industry had called for simplified regulations, requesting the removal of dual certification requirements from both BIS and FSSAI.

Key Facts about the FSSAI

• It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Functions
  • It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
  • It lays down standards and guidelines in relation to articles of food, and provides for licensing, registration, and accreditation for food business operators.
  • It directly monitors compliance of food regulations, especially in the area of food imports to India. 
  • It is also responsible for the accreditation of food testing laboratories throughout India.
  • It is responsible for the Food Certification in India.

Q1: What is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?

BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

News: FSSAI classifies packaged drinking water as ‘High Risk Food Category’