The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a clarification with respect to the licence category for premixes. The country’s apex food regulator in a recent notice has clarified that premixes can be licensed under Category 99 of Food Categorisation Code.

FSSAI, in this regard, has stated that any intermediary products/premixes which are not for direct consumption and are to be added to the final formulation, shall fall under the Category 99 of Food Categorisation Code. Such premixes can be licensed in one of the following categories as per eligibility: Category 99 – Substances Added to Food – 99.5 –Nutrients and their preparations; 99.6 – Microorganisms and microbial preparations; 99.7 –Functional ingredients.

Throwing light on the subject, Nilesh Lele, vice-president, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) [AFST(I)] Mumbai Chapter, explained, “In FSSAI, Food CategorisationCode, premix were not classified, premix are generally dry mix of two or more ingredients / powders. Some were classified as traditional foods, like idliatta premix, some were classified as proprietary foods while others were not classified at all. To eliminate confusion, and make it easy for FBOs, FSSAI has now classified premixes in Category 99 which will bevery helpful.”

An official from FSSAI, offered details: “There is already a law for licensing for premix. However, the industry and FBOs were confused regarding its category i.e., it will be included under which category – Thus, this letter has been issued in this regard.”

According to Future Market Insights, the global food premixes market is likely to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period 2017-2027. In terms of revenue, the market is expected to be valued at US$ 2,156.0 million by the end of 2027.

It may be mentioned that the decision was taken after a meeting held at FSSAI headquarters few days back, wherein FSSAI officials and officers from regional offices of Chennai, Mumbai, Cochin, Tuticorin, and Kolkata attended a training programme on FSS

(Heath Supplement, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations 2.