,On 26 February 2026 Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. This is a draft notification proposing the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, issued in exercise of powers under sub-section (2) of section 92 read with section 23 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006). The draft amends the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 and is published for public information under sub-section (1) of section 92. Key proposed changes: Insertion of new definitions in regulation 2(1) after clause (i): A. Food contact material: Any material (including active and intelligent materials), article, or product intended to come into contact with food, which must not have any undesirable effect on the food or human health. B. Food grade contact material: Materials used in manufacturing, processing, handling (e.g., kitchenware, tableware), packaging, storage, or transportation of food contact materials; must comply with specific safety standards, not endanger human/animal health, and not cause unacceptable changes in food composition or characteristics during intended use. C. Modified atmosphere packaging: Enclosure of food in a package where the internal atmosphere is deliberately modified/altered to optimize shelf life and maintain food quality. D. Food packaging: Package used for containment, protection, handling, delivery, storage, transport, and presentation of food (raw to processed), from producer to consumer/processor/intermediary. E. Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS): Chemicals present in food contact materials (FCM) or articles (FCA) but not deliberately added for technical reasons during production. F. Aseptic packaging: Process of filling a sterilized product into a sterilized container and sealing it in a sterile environment to prevent contamination. Public consultation period: 60 days from the date the Gazette copies are made available to the public.
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