Instructions to Authorized Officers of FSSAI & Customs regarding testing of UHT Whipping Cream - Customs - Instruction No. 08/2022

Instruction No. 08/2022 F.No. 401/36/2022-Cus-III Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Revenue (Central Board of Indirect Taxes Customs) North Block, New Delhi Dated, 3rd June, 2022 To All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioner of Customs All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioner of Customs (Preventive) All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioner of CGST Customs All Principal DGs/DGs under CBIC All Principal Commissioners / Commissioners of Customs Subject: Instructions to Authorized Officers of FSSAI Customs regarding testing of UHT Whipping Cream-reg. Madam/Sir, Reference is invited to FSSAI letter No. 1828/Misc.Matters/FSSAI/Imports-2021 dated 01.06.2022. (copy enclosed) on the above-mentioned subject. 2. Vide above letter, FSSAI has stated that Commercial Sterility test as prescribed in Table-2B: Microbiological Standards for Milk and Milk Products Food Safety Criteria, under FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011, is not feasible for UHT Whipping Cream, given the nature of the product and its storage conditions that are conducive to give a negative test result, on evaluation. 3. In view of above, it is requested that all Authorized officers under your jurisdiction may be directed to ensure that imported consignment of UHT Whipping Cream does not undergo Commercial Sterility Test. 4. The difficulties, if any, in the implementation of this Instruction may please be brought to the notice of the Board. 5. Hindi version follows. Encl: as above Yours faithfully, (Kevin Boban) Officer on Special Duty (Cus-III) File No. 1828/Misc.Matters/FSSAI/Imports-2021 Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (A Statutory Authority established under the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006) (Trade International Co-operation Division) FDA Bhawan, KotlaRoad, NewDelhi-110002 Dated : The 1st June, 2022 Subject : Instructions to Authorized Officers of FSSAI Customs regarding testing of UHT Whipping Cream - Reg. Reference is drawn to the Sub-Regulation of FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011 (Table-2B: Microbiological Standards for Milk and Milk Products - Food Safety Criteria), which stipulates microbial requirement of Commercial Sterility Test for UHT whipping cream. 2. In this context, representation from stakeholders were received regarding applicability of Commercial Sterility Test for UHT whipping cream. The said issue was examined during the 18th meeting of Scientific Panel on Milk and Milk Products and the panel had agreed that the Commercial Sterility for microbial requirement, is not feasible for UHT Whipping Cream, given the nature of the product and its storage conditions that are conducive to give a negative test result on evaluation. 3. In view of above, all Authorized officers are hereby directed to ensure that imported consignment of UHT Whipping Cream shall not be tested on Commercial Sterility Test. Sd/- (Dr. Amit Sharma) Director (Imports)