The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a significant regulatory update by proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The draft notification, issued on May 21, 2026, and published in the Gazette of India on May 25, 2026, seeks to introduce new standards for minor seed oils and edible seeds, alongside updates to food additive regulations. This proactive measure by the FSSAI aims to bridge existing regulatory gaps and incorporate novel food categories and additives into the formal legal framework, aligning India's food safety landscape with global developments. Stakeholders have until approximately July 24, 2026, to submit their objections or suggestions to the FSSAI.
New Regulations for Minor Seed Oils
A key aspect of the proposed amendments involves the introduction of a new sub-regulation, 2.2.10, specifically addressing "Minor Seed Oils." This new provision is designed to govern the standards for oils derived from seeds such as chilli seed oil, muskmelon seed oil, okra seed oil, and tomato seed oil. The draft mandates that these oils must be produced from clean, sound, and mature seeds, employing methods that preserve the inherent qualities of the oil. Crucially, the proposed standards stipulate that these oils must be free from rancidity, adulterants, sediment, suspended foreign matter, separated water, added coloring or flavoring substances, and mineral oil. This detailed regulation aims to ensure the quality and safety of these less common but increasingly utilized seed oils in the Indian market.
Stricter Standards for Edible Seeds
The draft amendments also extend to edible seeds, categorizing them into two main groups: edible vegetable seeds (including watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, and pumpkin seeds) and edible oilseeds (such as sunflower, sesame, and flaxseed). For these seeds, the proposed quality parameters include a maximum moisture content of 8.00% by mass and a free fatty acid content not exceeding 1.25% on a dry mass basis. Furthermore, the regulations propose that foreign articles, whether inorganic or organic, should not exceed 0.1% of the total weight. These stringent measures are intended to enhance the safety and quality of seeds intended for direct consumption or for oil extraction.
Updating Food Additive Regulations and International Alignment
Beyond seed oils and edible seeds, the amendments also propose to update Appendix A, which pertains to the "Use of Food Additives in Food Products." While specific details of these updates are still under public review, the FSSAI's move to amend this section indicates a broader effort to harmonize India's food additive regulations with international standards and scientific advancements. For instance, the inclusion of provisions for stabilising agents in alcoholic beverages, as noted in one of the draft amendments, reflects an alignment with global oenological practices. This comprehensive approach underscores the FSSAI's commitment to ensuring that Indian food products meet both domestic safety requirements and global market expectations.
The public consultation period, which commenced upon the gazette notification, provides a crucial window for industry stakeholders, consumer groups, and the general public to voice their concerns and provide feedback. The FSSAI has designated the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority as the recipient for all objections and suggestions, which can be submitted either physically at their New Delhi office or electronically via email to regulation@fssai.gov.in. The Authority has stated that these draft regulations will only be considered for finalization after the expiry of the 60-day consultation period, ensuring a thorough review process that incorporates diverse perspectives. This regulatory evolution is poised to impact a wide range of food businesses, from small-scale producers of niche oils and seeds to large food manufacturers relying on various additives.