Introduction
Food safety is a pillar of public health and economic stability. India’s vast food system includes millions of producers, processors, retailers, and consumers. To ensure that the food available to the public is free from contaminants and misleading practices, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) enforces various regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Among the most comprehensive of these is Clause 2.3 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
Clause 2.3 outlines specific prohibitions and conditions for the sale, use, and packaging of food articles in India. These rules address harmful substances, unsafe handling practices, adulteration, and mislabelling. The primary goal is to prevent consumers from being exposed to substances that are either toxic or nutritionally misleading.
Objectives of Clause 2.3
Clause 2.3 is framed to:
Key Prohibitions and Restrictions Under Clause 2.3
Below is a breakdown of the major prohibited practices and restricted items under this clause:
1. Use of Harmful Additives and Substances
2. Misrepresentation and False Branding
3. Unsafe Food Sources and Contaminated Inputs
4. Specific Packaging and Labelling Rules
Clause 2.3 mandates that certain categories of food must only be sold in sealed, tamper-proof, and clearly labelled packaging:
These items are prone to contamination and misbranding when sold loose.
5. Provisions on Additives and Industrial Processes
Labelling Requirements for High-Risk Products
Clause 2.3 places special emphasis on labeling requirements. Labels must:
Failure to follow labelling norms may result in the product being deemed “misbranded,” attracting regulatory action.
Consumer-Focused Provisions
Several rules in Clause 2.3 are crafted to prevent everyday exposure to risks:
Compliance Expectations for Food Business Operators (FBOs)
The regulation imposes strict responsibilities on Food Business Operators (FBOs), including:
Any FBO caught violating Clause 2.3 could face:
Impact on the Food Industry
The restrictions under Clause 2.3 have significant implications for:
These changes are necessary for aligning India’s food safety standards with global best practices, thereby enhancing domestic health outcomes and international food trade credibility.
Conclusion
Clause 2.3 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 forms a strong legal barrier against harmful food additives, unsafe practices, and deceptive sales tactics. With its detailed prohibitions and clearly defined conditions for sale, packaging, and labeling, it reflects a forward-looking vision of food safety in India.
The success of Clause 2.3 lies in its dual approach: a scientific foundation for health protection and a practical framework for implementation. Its impact is visible not just in regulatory compliance, but in the growing consumer awareness and industry accountability across India’s food supply chain.
As the food industry continues to evolve, Clause 2.3 will remain a central pillar ensuring that what reaches our plate is safe, nutritious, and trustworthy.
Read more about this Regulation: https://fssai.gov.in/cms/food-safety-and-standards-regulations.php
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