The ministry of AYUSH and the the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have formulated regulations of safety and quality standards for food products under ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ category. 

This comprehensive initiative will ensure manufacturing of quality Ayurveda food products and help expand the international market for ‘Make in India’ products.

Regulations on ‘Ayurveda Aahara’

• According to the regulations, manufacturing and marketing of ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ products will now adhere to strict Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022, rules and will be available in market only after licence/approval from the FSSAI.

• A special logo has been created for the ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ category, which will enable easier identification and reinforce quality in Ayurveda food products. 

• According to the regulations, all food prepared in accordance with the recipes/ingredients/processes described in the authoritative books of Ayurveda will be considered as ‘Ayurveda Aahara’. Food recipes and ingredients for promoting health, specific physiological needs, and foods specified for consumption during or post specified diseases, disorders referred as ‘pathya’ in Ayurveda are covered under these regulations.

• The labelling of ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ shall specify the intended purpose, the target consumer group, recommended duration of use and other specific requirements.

• Health claims and disease risk reduction claims for the different categories of ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ and their approval process shall be in accordance with the requirements specified in regulations. 

• However, ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ will not include ayurvedic drugs or proprietary ayurvedic medicines and medicinal products, cosmetics, narcotic or psychotropic substances and herbs.

• Further, ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ is also not recommended to young children below two years of age.

• ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ needs prior approval, the same shall be in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specific Food and Food Ingredients) Regulation, 2017.

• The FSSAI will constitute an expert committee under the ministry of AYUSH consisting of relevant experts, including representatives of FSSAI, for providing recommendation on approval of claims and products and the committee shall also empower to address concerns regarding registration or licensing or certification or laboratory accreditation or testing or quality issues related to ‘Ayurveda Aahara’.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various Acts and orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various ministries and departments. 

• FSSAI was created for laying down scientific standards for food articles and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

• The ministry of health and family welfare is the administrative ministry for the implementation of FSSAI. 

The main functions of FSSAI include:

• Setting globally benchmarked regulations, standards and guidelines.

• Facilitating compliance through licensing, registration, inspection and improved laboratory network.

• Building capacity of regulatory staff as well as food business operators.

• Driving public health initiatives in the true spirit of convergence.

• Leveraging IEC (Information, Education & Communication) and BCC (behaviour change communication) techniques to build a food safety culture.

• Embracing technology to streamline processes. 

• Forging strategic partnerships to generate and exchange knowledge and best practices.

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