Analysis of samples of imported foods regarding - Customs - 34/2011

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (IMPORT) JAWAHARLAL NEHRU CUSTOM HOUSE, SHEVA, TAL. URAN DIST. RAIGAD, MAHARASHTRA-400707 F.NO. S/22-GEN-09/2010 AM (IMP) JNCH DATE: 17.03.2011 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 34/2011 Subject : Analysis of samples of imported foods regarding. Attention of all Importer/Exporters/CHAs and Members of Trade is invited to the issue of clearance of imported food articles. Subsequent to the meeting held by C.E.O, FSSAI on 28.10.2010 at Mumbai, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) has issued following guidelines as per their letter F.No P15011/16/2010-PFA/FSSAI dated 2/12/2010. All Authorised Officers/P.H.Os/A.PHOs are to check the claims on the labels as per the labeling requirements prescribed under P.F.A. Rules, 1955 at their level itself. In case there is any deficiency on the label such samples may not be drawn if there is oblivious deficiency noted at the time of sampling. The rules require the following information on the label: 1 a) the name, trade name or description of food contained in the package, b) the name of the ingredients used in the product in descending order of their composition by weight or volume as the case may be; c) declaration of vegetarian or Non-vegetarian product by affixing symbol of vegetarian and Non-vegetarian, d) the name and complete address of the manufacturer and manufacturing unit, e) in case where article of good is imported into India, the name and complete address of the importer in India, f) the net weight or number of measure of volume of contents, g) batch number or lot number or code number, h) the month and year in which the commodity is manufactured or prepacked, i) declaration of Best Before date on the package. (it can be also expressed terms of number of months before the best before date), j) the nutritional information or nutritional facts per 100 gms or 10 mls or per serving of the product shall be given on the label. 2. As per the Notification No.22(RE-2001)/1997-2002 dtd.30th July, 2001 issued by Ministry of Commerce Industry, the imported food products should have not less than 60% of its original shelf life at the time of importation, unless there is a specific exemption from the competent authority. The members of the Trade/Importers/CHA are required to take note of the above said requirements and comply with the labeling provisions at the time of import of food items. Any difficulty, if faced, in the implementation of this Public Notice may be brought to the notice of the undersigned. Sd/- (MALA SRIVASTAVA ) COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (IMPORT)