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FSSAI clarifies, labs need to test only for stds set for in-shell nuts
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Monday, 24 March, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The food authority has issued a clarification with respect to testing of 'in-shell' nuts such as almonds by notified food testing laboratories. The FSSAI in an order has stated that labs are required to test only for the standards set for in-shell nuts and no other parameters.
"It is hereby informed that the sub-regulation 2.3.47 (5) prescribes the standards of dry fruits and nuts, which covers the unshelled (In shell) Nuts. Therefore, all the FSSAI notified food testing laboratories u/s 43(1) and 43(2) of FSS Act, 2006, are hereby informed and instructed to test all such products (In-shell) against the said standards only," reads the order.
According to Ashwin Bhadri, founder and CEO Equinox Lab, testing dry fruits follows a structured process designed to ensure both safety and quality. Labs assess key factors like moisture levels, aflatoxin presence, and pesticide residues. Additional checks for microbial contamination and heavy metals are also conducted. Following these FSSAI-prescribed standards is crucial to maintaining food safety and consumer trust.
However, there’s been some confusion about testing in-shell nuts like almonds and it came to the notice of FSSAI that some labs were applying multiple standards, which caused uncertainty among stakeholders. Bhadri added that this order now clears the air — in-shell nuts should be tested strictly under the prescribed dry fruit and nut standards. Such clarity is essential to ensure consistency in food safety practices.
"This order makes it clear that in-shell nuts must be tested using the standards set for dry fruits and nuts. By specifying this, FSSAI has ensured that labs apply the correct parameters for unshelled products like almonds. This step eliminates ambiguity, streamlining the testing process for both businesses and laboratories, while ensuring consumer safety," said Bhadri.
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