Food Safety and Standards of Food or Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Foods for Special Dietary Uses, Foods for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods and Novel Food

Requirements in General

Plants and botanicals, as well as foods and ingredients listed in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011, offered in their natural or unprocessed state, even if cooked or juiced, shall not be considered a health supplement or nutraceutical, or a food for special dietary or medical purposes. To be designated as such, these foods must be supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. For the categories to which this applies, the amount of nutrients provided must not exceed the Indian Council of Medical Research's recommended daily allowance (RDA), or, if not specified by the council, the Codex Alimentarius Commission's requirements.

Supplements for Health

A product that supplements a person's diet over the age of five is characterised as this. Amino acids, enzymes, minerals, proteins, vitamins, or any other food ingredient with a nutritional or physiological effect will be used as a health supplement. "Health supplement," "Not for Medicinal Use," any appropriate warnings and precautions, and the fact that it should be kept out of the reach of children must all be included on the label.

Nutraceuticals

The nutraceutical will have a physiological benefit and will aid in the maintenance of excellent health. Nutraceuticals are listed in this rule's schedule VI. The label must include the words "nutraceutrical," "not for medicinal use," the common names of the nutraceuticals, and the amount of each nutraceutical, as well as the same risks and warnings as health supplements.

Foods for Dietary Use

These are foods that have been processed or made specifically for a physiological or specific health problem, such as low weight, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnant and nursing women, the geriatric population, celiac disease, or another ailment. "Food for particular dietary use" should be followed by "food for the specific ailment." If it's for weight loss, it should say "for weight loss and management" adjacent to the name. The relevant warnings, precautions, and instructions must be included on the label.

Food for Special Medical Purposes

This category comprises foods created specifically for weight loss and intended to be a complete replacement for a normal diet, however it excludes new born foods. "Nutritionally complete" is a phrase used to describe a product's nutritional value Near the name or brand, the label must declare "food for particular medicinal purpose. "RECOMMENDED TO BE USED UNDER MEDICAL ADVICE ONLY" will be written in big characters on the label. It is illegal to advertise these meals to the general population.

Functional Foods

This includes foods that have been supplemented with probiotics, prebiotics, and safe plant or botanical components. Schedule VII microorganisms must have a viable quantity of organisms introduced equal to or more than 100 million colony forming units per gramme to be considered probiotic ingredients. Prebiotics and probiotics must have the word "prebiotic" or "probiotic" near the name or brand. Other ingredients may be permitted if the FSSAI receives proof of 15 years of safe and effective use in India, as well as proof of 30 years of safe use from any other nation of origin.

Novel Foods

Foods that have never been consumed by people, substances produced from foods that have never been consumed by humans, and foods or ingredients obtained through new technologies that have a physiological or positive effect on humans. Before innovative foods can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India, they must first receive clearance from the FSSAI.