Food industry has reacted cautiously to the development of FSSAI’s gazette notification on the Ayurvedic food product regulations.
The Food industry sources say that when the draft was out they had submitted their reaction to the proposed regulations and now the regulations were notified, they’re in process of ‘studying’ the regulations.
Read: April 2022 Issue of Food InfoTech Magazine.
The regulations recommend designing Ayurveda Aahara as per the categories and requirements specified in the regulation. Also, the instructions are directed concerning the inclusion of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals to Ayurveda Aahara and recommended to mention the natural vitamins and minerals declared on the label.
Under the new guidelines, the FBOs are recommended to provide the information on purity criteria adopted for ingredients during licensing. Also, no FBO can mention the claim of treating, preventing or curing the human disorder completely, under these regulations.
Meanwhile, experts say that Ayurvedic food generally is designed or curated following the old traditional recipes, however, there are some instances of violation of the terms framed for approving the product as Ayurvedic. Experts opined that in today’s time when the world has become one market, certain norms need to be followed, as within India, Ayurveda is a trusted and reliable solution. Certain remedies prove to be impactful, but other people might experience the negative impacts. The people in India understand the reliability of such products, but when the same products are introduced abroad, they ask for trials.
Ashwin Bhadri, CEO Equinox Lab, on the need for such regulations, says, “While a product is curated, multiple ingredients are infused. The procedure affects the shelf life of a product and hence, adding additives or preservatives becomes necessary. There are certain products and packaging materials used to ensure the product reaches the end consumer safely. When the products are designed in an Ayurvedic or traditional manner, certain additions or the procedure of curating or preserving the product hampers the value it holds”.
Also Read: Food Safety Department Conducts Inspection in Kerala.
“There is a huge crowd choosing Ayurvedic products. Though this food helps to treat certain disorders, it doesn’t suit every consumer. The FSS Act allows ensuring the products or the ingredients infused in these food products are verified and approved for consumption. Additionally, the norm also recommends such products should not be served to infants below 24 months. As per the regulations, the Ayurvedic product should have a logo, and no additives are to be added,” he added.
