The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued directions with respect to the sampling of high priced imported alcoholic beverages and lactoferrin.
The FSSAI order says that for high priced liquor, a representative sample of 100ml in two numbers and in case of lactoferrin two samples of 25gm each can be drawn for the purpose of analysis.
The order reads, “it is reiterated to all the labs to carry out the analysis with 100ml quantity and authorised officers shall ensure that in case of import of high priced liquor, if miniature/representative sample of 100ml, in two numbers, is available, then only miniature samples shall be drawn.”
The order added that if any difficulties were faced in implementation of this order, the concerned officers can bring it to the FSSAI’s notice.
It was brought to the notice of FSSAI that field officers were insisting for a significantly higher quantity of samples of high priced imported alcoholic beverages, which was in contravention to the quantity prescribed by the FSSAI.
Similarly the authorised officers were directed to ensure that miniature/representative samples of at least 50gm, in two samples of 25gm each can be drawn in case of lactoferrin.
Lactoferrin falls under the ‘food not specified’ category, so the usual samples of 500gm are drawn. However, the food businesses sought FSSAI’s intervention to reduce the sample size, as it is an expensive ingredient, the food authority agreed.
Further, the food businesses informed the FSSAI that opening of the commercial pack in an uncontrolled environment increases the risk of contamination which affects the final product and leads to losses to the FBO.
The FSSAI order added that in case of non-availability of miniature or representative samples, the lactoferrin samples should be drawn in aseptic condition.