FSSAI Certified Organic Foods
Read more about FSSAI regulation on organic foods in India.
Covers information on FSSAI organic food regulations and FSSAI organic certification and license procedures.
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Overview of FSSAI Certified Organic Foods
- FSSAI regulates organic food production to ensure safety and authenticity, contributing to healthier and more environmentally sustainable food options. Organic food certified by FSSAI adheres to strict standards, ensuring it's grown, processed, and handled without synthetic chemicals.
- There are mostly four types of organic food: fruits and vegetables, grains and pulses, dairy products, and processed foods. Each product undergoes rigorous certification processes to verify compliance with organic standards.
- The FSSAI Organic Certification License ensures that products meet FSSAI's organic standards and are safe for consumption. In India, organic food certification is primarily carried out by accredited certification bodies approved by FSSAI. These bodies inspect organic farms and processing facilities to verify compliance with organic standards before issuing certifications.
Introduction to FSSAI Organic Foods
- Organic foods are the result of a comprehensive approach to farming that emphasises biodiversity, soil vitality, and the avoidance of synthetic inputs. These practices align with environmental and social responsibility, adhering to stringent organic production standards.
- The Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017, which were officially published in the Gazette of India on 29 December 2017, signify a significant step towards regulating organic food production. To help consumers easily identify organic products, the FSSAI has introduced a unified logo featuring the tagline ‘Jaivik Bharat,’ underscoring the organic nature of foods originating from India.
Understanding FSSAI's Organic Food Regulations
Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulation, 2017
The Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017, will take effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette. Food Business Operators are required to adhere to all provisions of these regulations by 1 July 2018. In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:
- Act: Refers to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006)
- Accreditation body: Any agency recognised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or under the National Programme for Organic Production for accreditation certification bodies
- Accredited Certification Body: An organisation accredited by an accreditation body to certify organic products and grant certification marks to food business operators on behalf of the accreditation body
- Claim: Any statement indicating or suggesting specific qualities of a food regarding its origin, nutritional properties, nature, processing, or composition
- Food Authority: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India established under section 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- National Programme for Organic Production: A Government of India program implementing National Standards for Organic Production with a third-party certification control system
- Organic food: Food products produced according to specified organic food production standards
- Participatory Guarantee System for India: An initiative by the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, emphasising producer, consumer, and stakeholder participation in organic production, operating independently of third-party certification frameworks.
Certification and Compliance Process
No individual shall engage in the production, packaging, sale, offering for sale, marketing, distribution, or importation of any organic food unless they adhere to the regulations stipulated herein. Organic food presented or advertised for sale must also conform to the relevant provisions of one of the following systems:
- National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP),
- Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India), or
- Any other system or standards as periodically notified by the Food Authority.
Labelling and Marketing of Organic Products
Organic food sold directly by small-scale original producers or producer organisations to end consumers, as determined by the Food Authority, will be exempt from certain system requirements as outlined in the sub-regulation.
The packaging of organic food must provide comprehensive and accurate information about its organic status. Additionally, the product may display a certification or quality assurance mark from one of the systems mentioned in Regulation 4, along with the organic logo of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is also applicable to have an organic certification for edible oils.
Furthermore, all organic foods must meet the packaging and labelling criteria specified in the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, in addition to the labelling requirements mandated by one of the applicable systems mentioned in the regulation.
Importing Organic Foods and Reciprocity
Consistent with multilateral agreements establishing equivalence between the National Programme for Organic Production and the organic standards of exporting nations, imported organic products need not undergo recertification upon entry to India, provided they adhere to the stipulations of the Act, its accompanying rules, and regulations.
Furthermore, these organic food shipments, as mentioned in the aforementioned regulation, must be accompanied by a transaction certificate issued by an Accredited Certification Body covered under the terms of the equivalence agreement. This ensures that the imported organic products meet the required standards and regulatory criteria, facilitating smoother import processes while maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of organic labelling and certification.
Exemptions and Special Provisions Under the Organic Food Regulations
In addition to the regulations outlined herein, all organic food must adhere to the pertinent provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Furthermore, compliance with the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011 is required, with the exception of insecticide residues, where the maximum limits shall be 5% of the prescribed maximum limits or the Level of Quantification (LoQ), whichever is higher.
Regarding display, retailers selling organic food, whether exclusively or as part of their inventory, are obligated to present these items distinctly from non-organic counterparts. This distinction ensures clarity for consumers and helps uphold the integrity of organic labelling and consumer choice. By enforcing these regulations, authorities aim to safeguard consumer health and promote transparency in the organic food market, reinforcing consumer confidence in the products they purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines an 'organic food' under FSSAI regulations?
Who is responsible for certifying organic foods in India?
What are the labelling requirements for organic foods?
Can imported organic foods be sold in India?
Are there any exemptions from organic certification under FSSAI?
What impact does FSSAI's organic certification have on consumer trust?
How does FSSAI ensure compliance with organic food standards?
What is the significance of the FSSAI organic logo on food products?