Vegetarianism as a food option is growing around the world. whereas India Not new to vegetarianism, vegetarianism abstains from the practice that the diet avoids not only meat but also animal-origin products such as milk. While some Western countries are touting vegetarianism as a means of combating harmful environmental impacts through lifestyle changes, expert opinion is divided. But it is safe to say that vegetarianism is on the rise in India too, albeit for a select audience.
The Center on Wednesday published the final notification for the Food Safety and Standards (Vegetarian Foods) Regulations, 2022, specifying what constitutes a vegetarian diet, what kind of labeling/packaging would be required and compliance for the food. Business operator as well.
The June 10 notification was published on Wednesday and the government said it would come into force immediately. News18 explains what categorizes vegetarian food in India now:
Not products of ‘animal origin, tested’
The notification issued by the Food Standard Safety Association of India (FSSAI) defines “vegetarian food” as food or food ingredients, including additives, flavourings, enzymes and carriers, or processing aids which are not products of animal origin and in which, not at the stage of production and processing, ingredients, including additives, flavourings, enzymes and carriers, or processing aids that are of animal origin, have been used.
The government said, “No person shall manufacture, pack, sell, offer, market or otherwise distribute or import any food as a vegetarian diet, unless they comply with the requirements laid down under these rules, Food products have to be added. Called vegetarian, it shall not include animal testing for any purpose, including safety assessment, unless otherwise provided by a regulatory authority.”
Not only production, attention will also be given to packaging
“We are also ensuring that every packaging material used for vegetarian food items will comply with the provisions of the packaging regulations and the Food Business Operator (FBO) will ensure that all stages of production, processing and distribution are handled with due care. will be designed to handle. In line with good manufacturing practices in such a way as to avoid unintended presence of non-vegetarian substances,” said an official.
Traceability up to the manufacturer level
Most important, there must be traceability up to the manufacturer level and the Food Business Operator shall comply with any other requirements specified by the Food Authority from time to time to maintain the vegan integrity of the foodstuff or food ingredients or products. Told.
With IANS inputs
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