About High Risk Food:

• Food products that come under the “High Risk” category are subjected to mandatory risk-based inspections.
• They include dairy, meat, fish egg, and food items intended for nutritional use, prepared food, Indian sweets and nutrients, and related preparations such as fortified rice kernel.
• In its order, the FSSAI has made amendments in its Risk-Based Inspection Policy to include the packaged drinking water and mineral water categories.
• This means that these products will now be subject to mandatory inspections and third-party audits.
• All centrally licensed manufacturers under high-risk food categories shall get their businesses audited annually.
• This aims to improve the safety and quality standards of these products for consumers.
• Previously, the packaged drinking water industry had called for simplified regulations, requesting the removal of dual certification requirements from both BIS and FSSAI.

Key Facts about the FSSAI

• It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Functions
  • It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
  • It lays down standards and guidelines in relation to articles of food, and provides for licensing, registration, and accreditation for food business operators.
  • It directly monitors compliance of food regulations, especially in the area of food imports to India. 
  • It is also responsible for the accreditation of food testing laboratoriesthroughout India.
  • It is responsible for the Food Certification in India.