In latest notification, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified the Food Business Operators Producing Sugar or Syrup containing Juices to specify “Sweetened Fruit Juices” ok the packaging under the new compliance framework.
Pertaining to the Category and Concentration of Sugar in the juice they are classified to use “Added Sugar” if less than 15g per kg Sugar is used or “Sweetened Fruit Juice” if more than the same is used. The rationale as proposed by the BIS is easier spotting of fruit juices by the consumers according to the sugar preference they have.
According to BIS, the Indian Standard has been formulated as a single comprehensive standard covering all types of fruit juices, fruit purees, fruit nectars, and related products to provide the necessary guidelines to manufacturers and consumers for maintaining quality control.
And certain specifications of BIS are in sync with the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, those related to labeling of sweeteners vary.
All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA), said that there is an alliance of food standards under the FSS Act, therefore, any other food standards create confusion. Though, BIS said its specifications have considered the existing regulations.
The BIS document says that in the formulation of this standard, due consideration has been given to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and rules framed thereunder and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. However, this standard is subject to the restrictions imposed under these, wherever applicable.
Accordingly the use of the term “Sweetened Fruit Juice” will add assist Health and Carb Conscious sector of consumers, making it starkly different from high sugar content product and Concentrate fruit juice.