Food Safety Rules: FSSAI makes stainless steel knives and blades mandatory for food business operators | Today’s news
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in its new advisory dated June 15, has asked food business operators (FBOs) to use only corrosion-resistant food-grade knives, blades and other cutting tools while processing and handling food.
The regulator also emphasized that all such facilities must be maintained in good condition and maintained in accordance with hygiene standards to prevent contamination.
FSSAI has directed state food safety commissioners to closely monitor compliance and ensure strict vigilance on use and maintenance of food contact equipment.
“FSSAI has been alerted that some food establishments are using rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged or otherwise unsuitable knives, blades and other cutting equipment during food handling, preparation, processing, cutting, slicing and packaging,” it said.
FSSAI noted that existing regulations require all food contact equipment, utensils and surfaces used in food handling, preparation, processing, packaging and storage to be made of food-grade, non-toxic and corrosion-resistant materials, adding that these items must also be maintained in a hygienic condition to minimize the risk of food contamination.
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She emphasized that the rules mandate regular cleaning and disinfection of such equipment and utensils at appropriate intervals to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
“Using rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged, inadequately cleaned or non-food grade knives, blades and cutting equipment may result in physical, chemical and microbiological contamination of food and is not in compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements,” FSSAI said.
It warned that food business operators who failed to comply could face regulatory action. The authority has also directed state food safety commissioners to closely monitor compliance during inspections and ensure strict enforcement.
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The advisory further stated that appropriate action may be taken against the violators under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 if any cases of non-compliance are found.
Stop using metal pins, wires in packaging: FSSAI for FBOs
FSSAI on June 12 directed all food business operators to immediately stop using metal pins and wires in packaging food products and packets citing potential health risks to consumers.
In an advisory issued to protect public health and food safety, the FSSAI warned that non-compliance with the directive could lead to criminal penalties.
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According to the regulator, it found food business operators using metal or staple pins and wires in decorating cakes and similar products, as well as securing food packages, cake boxes, chocolate boxes, bags, takeaways and other food packaging.
The FSSAI noted that several cases were reported where metal or safety pins were found embedded or attached to cakes and packaged foods. The authority called it a “serious risk to food safety”.
The regulator said there was a significant possibility of consumers accidentally swallowing such pins, which could lead to injury and other adverse health effects.
“All FBOs are hereby directed to immediately stop using metal pins/wires or any other such material to seal, fasten, secure or wrap any food, food package, takeaway, bakery product, cake box, chocolate box, snack pack or any other food item or packaging,” the notice said.
