Overview

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) First Amendment Regulations, 2024, setting limits for crop contaminants and banning the use of veterinary drugs in food production.

Limits Set for Ochratoxin A and Deoxynivalenol in Food Products

The regulations specify that the Ochratoxin A limit for wheat, wheat bran, rye, barley, and coffee is set at 5 µg/kg, while the Deoxynivalenol limit for wheat, wheat bran, and barley is 1000 µg/kg. Additionally, the FSSAI has listed 14 antimicrobials and other veterinary drugs, including steroids, that are now prohibited from being used at any stage of production for meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, poultry, eggs, and aquaculture. An Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 0.001 mg/kg will apply to most drugs, except for Chloramphenicol, which will have an EMRL of 0.0003 mg/kg (0.3 µg/kg).

The notification also bans the use of any antibiotics in honey production. To monitor antibiotic misuse, the regulations specify Minimum Required Performance Limits (MRPL) for testing.

Regulations to Take Effect in April 2025 

These new regulations will take effect on April 1, 2025. Experts believe the move will help combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in crops and food products, particularly those derived from animals such as milk and poultry.

Source: Food&Beverages News