The Managing Directors/CEO’s/Directors/Partners/General Managers
All FHRAI Members
CC: All Members of the Executive Committee
All Regional Associations
President FHRAI
Subject: Reclassification of 'Food Grade Packaging Material' as 'Critical to Food Safety' under FSSAI Inspection Checklist
Dear Member,
We would like to bring to your attention an important regulatory update issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) concerning the categorization of packaging materials in food safety inspections.
As per the current inspection checklists used across various sectors—including General Manufacturing, Milk and Milk Products Processing, Meat Processing, Fish and Fish Products Processing and Catering categorize points related to food packaging materials were earlier classified as ‘non-critical’.
FSSAI has now reclassified 'Use of Food Grade Packaging Material' as 'Critical to Food Safety' under these inspection checklists. This change is aligned with Provision 3(14) of the FSS (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, and highlights the crucial role of safe and compliant packaging in preventing food contamination and ensuring overall food safety.
Please find below the link to access the official order and detailed checklist revision received from FSSAI.
Action Points for Food Business Operators (FBOs):
- Internal Communication:
Disseminate this regulatory update clearly and promptly across all operational and quality control levels of your organization.
- Packaging Material Review & Update:
- Ensure that all packaging materials currently in use are certified as food grade and compliant with FSSAI Packaging Regulations, 2018.
- Confirm that packaging is intact, contamination-fre, and stored under safe and hygienic conditions.
- Certification & Documentation:
- Obtain and maintain updated Certificates of Conformity for all packaging materials from NABL-accredited laboratories.
- Organize documentation systematically for easy retrieval during inspections or audits.
- Staff Training & Internal Audits:
- Train all relevant personnel handling packaging materials on the new critical classification and best practices.
- Conduct internal audits to identify and phase out any non-compliant packaging materials. Implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Vendor Compliance:
- Ensure your packaging material suppliers provide NABL-certified documentation confirming compliance with FSS regulations.
- Carry out periodic supplier audits and evaluations and maintain records of these assessments.
We advise all members to take immediate and appropriate action to align with this revised guidelines.
With best regards,
Jaison Chacko
Secretary General
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The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India
Regd. Off.: B-82, 8th Floor, Himalaya House, 23 K.G. Marg, New Delhi - 110 001
Tel.: 011-40780780, Email: fhrai@fhrai.com, Website: www.fhrai.com