Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tightened regulations governing the production, packaging and sale of spices, directing businesses to sell spice powders and mixed spices only in properly packaged and sealed form.
The order also prohibits the use of ethylene oxide (EtO) for spice sterilisation and imposes stricter requirements to prevent adulteration and ensure food safety.
Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued the directives, covering businesses involved in the production, processing, storage, transportation and sale of spices.
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These include manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce companies, hotels, restaurants, caterers and institutional kitchens.
The measures aim to improve hygiene, product traceability and quality control across the supply chain.
Businesses selling unpackaged spices in bulk will have to comply with the applicable packaging and sealing requirements, subject to the scope and exceptions under the relevant rules.
BAN ON PROHIBITED COLOURS AND ADULTERANTS
The FDA has prohibited the use of unauthorised colours, including Metanil Yellow, Rhodamine B, Sudan dyes and lead chromate, in spices. The mixing of foreign substances such as brick dust, chalk, wood chips and unauthorised starch is also prohibited.
Officials will also act against businesses found mixing inferior-quality spices or selling extracted spices. The directives seek to address adulteration practices intended to alter the appearance, weight or quality of products.
STRICT HYGIENE STANDARDS FOR SPICE PROCESSING
The order requires spice manufacturers and processors to maintain hygiene during production, processing and storage. Drying spices on public roads, tarred surfaces, drains, near garbage bins or close to animal enclosures has been prohibited.
Production and storage areas must remain clean, dry and free from pests. Businesses have also been directed not to store chemicals, pesticides, industrial dyes or other harmful substances alongside spices.
The use of ethylene oxide for sterilising spices has been prohibited, with businesses directed to use only legally permitted processes.
FSSAI LICENCE AND LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
The FDA has clarified that a trade licence alone is insufficient for businesses involved in spice production or grinding. Operators must hold a valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence or registration, depending on the nature of their operations.
Spice packets must carry mandatory details, including the product name, ingredients, manufacturer’s details, FSSAI licence number, batch number, production or packing date, and expiry date or ‘best before’ information, as applicable.
Claims that products are pure, natural, organic or have specific health benefits must be supported by evidence. The department has warned that incorrect labelling and misleading claims could invite action.
ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN TO BE INVESTIGATED
The FDA has said investigations into adulteration will not be limited to retailers. Authorities will also examine manufacturers, grinding and blending units, repackaging agents, suppliers and those responsible for providing prohibited colours or adulterants.
Officials may verify purchase and sale invoices, production records, batch numbers and the quantities of raw materials and finished products to trace the source of violations.
Depending on the nature and severity of an offence, action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, may include seizure of stock, suspension of sales, product recalls, suspension or cancellation of licences and court proceedings.
Joint commissioners, assistant commissioners, designated officers and food safety officers across Maharashtra have been directed to inspect spice businesses and record inspections, samples and enforcement action in the relevant system.
CONSUMERS URGED TO REPORT VIOLATIONS
The FDA has urged consumers to report suspected adulteration, prohibited colours, unhygienic products and incorrect labelling.
Complaints can be lodged through the department’s toll-free number, 1800 222 365, or its FDA Complaint Portal. Consumers can also use the FSSAI helpline at 1800 112 100 and the Food Safety Connect app.
Mundhe said businesses compromising public health would be held accountable under the law. The department will focus on identifying the source of adulteration and examining the entire supply chain, rather than limiting enforcement to the point of sale.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
