The following draft of certain regulations further to amend the Food Safety and Standards

## Policy Analysis Report: Food Safety and Standards Packaging Amendment Regulations, 2021 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Food Safety and Standards Packaging Amendment Regulations, 2021, as notified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on September 6, 2021. This amendment modifies the Food Safety and Standards Packaging Regulations, 2018. The core purpose of the amendment is to introduce new limits for antimony and phthalic acid (bis 2-ethylhexyl ester - DEHP) in food packaging materials. Key findings highlight the addition of these substances and their maximum permissible limits to Table 1 of regulation 4, subregulation 4. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Food Safety and Standards Packaging Amendment Regulations, 2021, based solely on the provided policy text. It focuses on understanding the changes introduced by this amendment and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment to:** Food Safety and Standards Packaging Regulations, 2018 (File No. 195StdsPackagingSPLCAFSSAI2017, dated the 24th December, 2018). * **Core Objective(s):** The objective, inferred from the text, is to enhance food safety standards by regulating the permissible levels of specific chemicals (antimony and phthalic acid) in food packaging materials. This is achieved through amendments to existing packaging regulations. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is an amendment to existing regulations. The rationale for this *specific* amendment, inferred from the text, is to address potential risks associated with the migration of antimony and phthalic acid (DEHP) from packaging materials into food. By setting maximum limits, the amendment likely aims to minimize consumer exposure to these substances, ensuring a higher level of food safety. The specific need for these particular additions is not stated, but we can infer a perceived or demonstrated risk that warranted their inclusion. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section focuses specifically on the *changes* introduced by the amendment text: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Regulation 4, subregulation 4, Table 1 of the Food Safety and Standards Packaging Regulations, 2018. * **New Rule/Provision:** Two new entries are *inserted* into Table 1 after Sl. No. 7: * Sl. No. 8: Antimony with a limit of 0.04 * Sl. No. 9: Phthalic acid, bis 2-ethylhexyl ester (DEHP) with a limit of 1.5 * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment introduces *new limits* for antimony and phthalic acid (DEHP) that were previously not specified in Table 1. This means that food packaging materials must now adhere to these specific limits for these substances. Packaging exceeding these limits would likely be deemed non-compliant. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by *these changes* include: * Manufacturers of food packaging materials. * Food processors and manufacturers who use these packaging materials. * Potentially, importers of food products using the concerned packaging. * Consumers, who benefit from increased food safety. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for implementing and enforcing these amended regulations. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The text specifies a period of sixty days from the date of gazette notification (September 6, 2021) for stakeholders to submit objections or suggestions. This indicates a period for consultation before the regulations become fully effective. We can infer that after this consultation period, there will be enforcement of the updated standards, though specific procedures are not detailed in the text. The specific date on which the changes come into force, is not included. * **Implementation Specific to Changes:** Packaging manufacturers will need to ensure their products are compliant with the new limits for antimony and DEHP. Testing and quality control processes will need to be updated to monitor these substances. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome *of these specific changes* is: * Reduced consumer exposure to antimony and phthalic acid (DEHP) from food packaging. * Enhanced food safety due to stricter control over potentially harmful chemicals in packaging materials. * Increased responsibility and vigilance on the part of packaging manufacturers and food processors to ensure compliance with the new standards. **9. Conclusion:** The Food Safety and Standards Packaging Amendment Regulations, 2021, represent a significant update to the existing food packaging regulations. The addition of limits for antimony and phthalic acid (DEHP) demonstrates a proactive approach by FSSAI to address potential chemical migration risks and enhance food safety. This amendment is significant for packaging manufacturers and food processors who must now ensure their products and processes comply with these new requirements. Further clarification on implementation timelines and specific testing protocols from FSSAI would be beneficial for stakeholders.

Key Entities Referenced