Quarterly Reporting to Prevent Resale
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated quarterly submissions of data on expired and rejected food items through its online compliance system, FOSCOS. This directive, issued on December 16, applies to licensed food manufacturers, importers, repackers, and relabellers. The initiative aims to curb the resale of expired or rejected food items for human consumption, ensuring better food safety practices.
Key Reporting Areas
Products Failing Quality Checks: Reporting quantities of items that fail internal quality tests or inspections. Expired or Returned Items: Documenting the volume of expired products or those returned from the supply chain.Disposal Records: Maintaining detailed records of disposal methods such as destruction, auction, or alternative uses, including buyer and waste disposal agency details.
Real-Time Tracking of Food Disposal
The FSSAI’s initiative aims to track rejected or expired food items in real-time, ensuring their disposal is strictly for non-human consumption purposes. This step also prevents the rebranding of such items as cattle feed or their illicit resale.
Preparation for Compliance
Although the FOSCOS reporting system is still under development, food businesses are required to begin data collection immediately. This preparation ensures smooth compliance once the system becomes operational.
Reclassification of Packaged Water as High-Risk
Earlier in November, FSSAI reclassified packaged drinking and mineral water as high-risk food categories. This change enforces stricter regulatory measures, including annual facility inspections, mandatory third-party audits, and adherence to enhanced quality standards.
