Significant Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn the existing analytical method used to determine fruit content in fruit juices. The regulator announced the decision through an order issued by its Quality Assurance (QA) Division, and the change takes effect immediately. The move affects Method No. 2.11, prescribed in the Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods – Fruit and Vegetable Products. Food testing laboratories previously used this method to assess fruit content in fruit juice products.

Laboratories Directed to Use Validated Alternative Methods

To ensure uninterrupted testing and regulatory compliance, FSSAI has permitted laboratories to adopt validated analytical methods recognised by reputed national and international organisations until the authority notifies a revised method. The approved alternatives include methods developed by:

• AOAC International
• International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
• Codex Alimentarius
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• Other internationally recognised regulatory agencies

FSSAI expects laboratories to use scientifically validated and globally accepted testing procedures during this transition period.

Order Applies to All Food Testing Laboratories

FSSAI has directed all FSSAI-notified food testing laboratories and State Food Testing Laboratories to implement the revised requirements with immediate effect. The regulator stated that the temporary arrangement will help maintain consistency in testing while ensuring that laboratories continue to generate reliable and accurate results for fruit juice products.

Focus on Testing Accuracy and Regulatory Consistency

Industry experts believe the decision will strengthen testing reliability by allowing laboratories to use internationally accepted analytical methods. The transition is also expected to support regulatory consistency and ensure continuity in food testing until FSSAI finalises and notifies an updated method for fruit content determination.

Key Highlights

• FSSAI has withdrawn Method No. 2.11 for determining fruit content in fruit juices.
• Laboratories may use validated methods from AOAC, ISO, Codex, BIS, and other recognised agencies.
• The directive applies to all FSSAI-notified and State Food Testing Laboratories.
• The revised requirements take effect immediately.

Source: Foodtech Network