Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedures) Regulations, 2017:
Overview:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the Food Recall Procedure Regulations in 2017 to strengthen consumer safety and accountability in the food supply chain. These regulations mandate swift and transparent action from Food Business Operators (FBOs) when food products are found to be unsafe. From maintaining records to notifying authorities and informing the public, the regulations lay down comprehensive procedures for effective recalls. This guide explains the key provisions, responsibilities, and penalties under the law, aiming to help businesses remain compliant while reinforcing trust and safety in India’s food ecosystem.
The primary goal of these regulations is to protect consumers from health hazards by ensuring swift and coordinated action when food safety issues arise. This article offers a comprehensive guide to understanding the scope, objectives, and key procedures of the Food Recall Procedure Regulations, 2017, and highlights the obligations and penalties for non-compliance
Why Food Recalls Matter ?
The concept of food recall involves the removal of potentially hazardous food products from the market to prevent consumption. Food recalls may be voluntary or mandated by regulatory authorities, depending on the nature and severity of the risk involved.
The FSSAI’s Food Recall Procedure Regulations, 2017, were framed to formalize this process across India. They empower both food business operators (FBOs) and regulators to take swift, effective action to prevent the distribution of unsafe food products, thus minimizing harm to consumers and maintaining the credibility of India’s food industry.
Objectives of the Regulations
According to Regulation 3 of the FSS (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017, the objectives are threefold:
Step-by-Step Procedures for Food Recall
1. Initiation of Recall
Food Business Operators are required to initiate a recall:
As per Section 28 of the FSS Act, FBOs must act promptly upon detection of a risk, and any refusal to comply can attract serious penalties.
2. Maintenance of Distribution Records
Under Regulation 6, FBOs must maintain detailed records of distribution:
3. Notification Obligations
FBOs are required to inform the authorities within 24 hours of identifying the need for a recall.
4. Immediate Suspension of Production and Distribution
Without waiting for regulatory approval, the FBO must:
5. Mandatory Recall Plan
According to Regulation 7:
6. Public Communication
Clear and accurate communication is vital in a recall situation:
7. Status Reporting
Weekly or periodic Recall Status Reports must be submitted using Schedule II.
8. Food Recovery and Handling
Recalled products must be:
9. Post-Recall Reporting
Upon completion of the recall, a Post-Recall Report must be submitted.
10. Termination of Recall
Termination can only occur after FSSAI’s confirmation that:
The regulations mandate the use of specific forms:
Penalty for non-compliance:
While the 2017 Regulations do not list independent penalties, violations attract penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006,:
Violation | Penalty |
Misbranding (including false recall info) | Up to ₹3 lakh |
Failure to comply with recall orders | Up to ₹2 lakh |
General contraventions | Up to ₹2 lakh |
Sale of unsafe food causing injury/death | ₹1–10 lakh + up to 7 years’ imprisonment |
Read more about this Regulation: FSSAI
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