|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
FSSAI 's new definition for processed foods to curb fresh or raw mislabelling
|
|
Monday, 11 May, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
|
In an effort to curb misleading marketing claims, the FSSAI has provided a strict legal definition for "minimally processed" foods. This clarification ensures that manufacturers cannot mislabel highly altered products as "fresh" or "raw" to gain an unfair market advantage.
According to the 2026 amendment, foods are only considered minimally processed if they have been slightly modified for preservation without changing their core nutritional profile.
Approved methods include cleaning, grinding, pasteurisation, refrigeration, freezing, fermentation, and vacuum-packaging.
The notification reads, “Minimally processed foods are the ones that are slightly altered for the main purpose of preservation but which do not substantially change the nutritional content of the food, which may involve cleaning and removing inedible or unwanted parts, grinding, refrigeration, pasteurisation, fermentation, freezing, and vacuum-packaging.”
By establishing this clear boundary, the FSSAI ensures that single-ingredient staples like pulses, rice, cereals, vegetables and fruits remain exempt from certain complex labelling requirements that apply to ultra-processed foods.
However, any processing beyond these specified methods will disqualify a product from being labelled as "minimally processed."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|