April 14, 2021
In its latest specification, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has declared that in order to use its certification, food companies will have to label packaged fruit juices as ‘sweetened fruit juices’ when the product has sugar or syrup as an ingredient.
BIS evaluated that depending on whether the product is in the category of fruit juice or concentrate, it has to be labeled as either “sugar(s) added” after the fruit juice or mixed fruit juice’s name or use ‘Sweetened fruit juices’ if sugar is added to juices in amount more than 15g per kilogram of juice, the specifications said. All these terms must be used in close proximity to the name so that they can be spotted easily by consumers.
According to BIS, the Indian Standard has been formulated as a single comprehensive standard covering all types of fruit juices, fruit purees, fruit nectars, and related products to provide the necessary guidelines to manufacturers and consumers for maintaining quality control.
And certain specifications of BIS are in sync with the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, those related to labeling of sweeteners vary.
All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA), said that there is an alliance of food standards under the FSS Act, therefore, any other food standards create confusion. Though, BIS said its specifications have considered the existing regulations.
The BIS document says that in the formulation of this standard, due consideration has been given to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and rules framed thereunder and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. However, this standard is subject to the restrictions imposed under these, wherever applicable.