Home > India begins regulating vegan food

Consumers have recently become much more health concerned, and many have adopted a vegan lifestyle. Of course, veganism and vegetarianism are two very distinct concepts, despite some confusing one for the other. In India, the demand for vegan meals has been constantly expanding. People have recently come to not only accept veganism as a diet here to stay, but also actively practice it in their day to day lives.

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued the final notification for the Food and Safety Standards Vegan Regulations 2022. It is India’s first food safety regulation that is solely focused on plant-based goods. The new regulations have laid down the following:

• Defining Vegan Food
• General Requisites
• Food Labelling Requirements
• Vegan Food Compliance

Definition of ‘Vegan Food’:

The standards define ‘Vegan Food’ as any food or component that contains no animal products such as “additives, flavourings, enzymes, and carriers, or processing aids”.  In addition, the definition dictates that no such material elements shall be employed in the processing or production of food.

General Requisites:

Animal testing, such as Food Safety Evaluation, should not be used in the development of Vegan Food items unless allowed by FSSAI, the new regulations say. Packaging laws must be strictly adhered to for such products.

The Food Business Operator shall ensure that ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ such as Food Safety Management Systems which may include techniques like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and General Hygiene Practices (GHP) are deployed. These methods will ensure that food is produced in a non-vegan substance-free environment. If such environmental sharing is unavoidable, the ‘Hygiene Requirements’ must be strictly observed before the production and processing of vegan food products can begin. These steps are to be taken care of at every stage of the process; preparation, production, & packaging.

No person will be allowed to “manufacture, pack, sell, offer for sale, market or otherwise distribute or import any food as vegan food” unless these requirements are followed thoroughly.

Food Labelling Requirements:

The new regulations dictate that vegan food must be stored and displayed in a way that distinguishes it from non-vegan food, whether sold separately or as part of a retail item. Vegan food manufacturers shall comply with the packaging and labeling requirements specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, except clause 5(4)(b) which states the requirement of using a ‘Green Color’ to indicate the Vegetarian nature of the food or the food product.

Licensing and Import Compliance Measures:

The FSSAI could even create appropriate vegan logo guidelines. FBOs must submit an application to the FSSAI in the format provided and include all relevant information. A certificate is compulsory to be provided by the authorities of a recognised exporting nation in the format specified by the FSSAI before any vegan food can be imported.

Download, Read & Share:

• Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022
• Guidelines for submission of applications for endorsement of vegan logo and formats

For more information, please Chat with us Ask The Expert.