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Ayurveda, derived from Sanskrit, translates to "knowledge of life" or "science of longevity", representing one of the oldest holistic healthcare systems, which emphasizes wellness and therapeutic practices. It incorporates unique methods such as herbal medicines, yoga, medication and special diets. Among these, Aahara (diet) holds a central position in promoting health and well-being, as it is one of the “Trayoupastambha (three pillars)” of Ayurvedic health, alongside Nidra(sleep) and Brahmacharya (righteous living).
The growing global recognition of Ayurveda has expanded its market, necessitating standardised front work for the commercialisation of ayurvedic food products. Globally, Ayurvedic food supplements and nutraceuticals represent an important segment, aiming to meet increasing consumer demand for natural, health-oriented products. To address these needs, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced specific regulations for Ayurveda Aahara.
Introduction to the Regulations
In May 2022, the FSSAI introduced the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022 (the Regulations), developed in collaboration with the ministry of Ayush. The Regulations set the foundation for the manufacture, sale and promotion of Ayurveda Aahara as food products. It complements other food regulations stipulated by FSSAI.
Recent significant updates include:
In June 2024, it was reported that the FSSAI, in consultation with the Union Ayush ministry, planned to release the licensing and logistics norms for businesses that can manufacture and sell food products under the Ayurveda Aahara category.
In October 2024, the FSSAI opened a public consultation on a compendium of Ayurveda Aahara based on the recipes mentioned in 71 authoritative books about Ayurveda Aahara in the Regulations.
Defining Ayurveda Aahara
According to the Regulations, Ayurveda Aahara refers to foods prepared following the recipes, ingredients, or processes outlined in the authoritative books of Ayurveda, such as Charak Samhita, as listed in the Regulations. This definition encompasses products containing botanical ingredients aligned with the principles of Ayurveda Aahara, but exclude Ayurvedic drugs, proprietary medicines, medicinal products, cosmetics, narcotics, psychotropic substances, metal-based drugs, bhasma/pishti and any other specified substances.
Key points:
Packaged food products commonly used for daily consumption, like pulses, rice, flour, and vegetables are excluded unless they meet specific provisions in the Regulations.
Minimally processed food items, such as those that are cleaned, polished, dehusked, or graded are excluded unless otherwise specified.
Pathya is an important concept in Ayurvedic diets, which refers to foods and lifestyles that are recommended to promote health and restore balance to the body, particularly in the context of recovery from illness or disease. Foods considered as Pathya are included within the scope of Ayurveda Aahara.
Regulatory Requirements
Categories and corresponding conditions
The Regulations outlines the categories of Ayurveda Aahara, and specifies the permitted ingredients, safety data requirements, health claims, and disease risk reduction claims. Food Business Operators must formulate Ayurveda Aahara in accordance with the categories and requirements specified in the Regulations.
The Regulations describes the following categories:
Ayurveda Aahara prepared in accordance with the Authoritative Ayurveda Texts listed in the Regulations
A new recipe of Ayurveda Aahara containing ingredients listed in the Authoritative texts of books listed in the Regulations, along with other botanicals in Ayurveda dietetic principles
2.1. Ayurveda Aahara presented in a format different from that specified in the Authoritative texts of books listed in the Regulations
2.2. Ayurveda Aahara for Special Medical Purpose: Ayurveda Aahara intended to provide a health benefit, or as an adjuvant to support a specific disease, condition, or disorder, specified or not specified in the Authoritative texts of books listed in the Regulations
Regarding Ayurveda Aahara prepared in accordance with the Authoritative Ayurveda Texts listed in the Regulations, only ingredients and processes specified in these texts can be used. Safety data approval is not required prior to product launch. Similarly, prior approval from the Food Authority for health claims is not necessary if the claim aligns with the Authoritative Ayurveda Texts listed in the Regulations. However, for disease risk reduction claims, prior approval from the Food Authority is required, based on evidence.
Restriction on Ayurveda Aahara
No Ayurveda Aahara shall claim to have the property of preventing, treating or curing a human disease or refer to such properties.
No person shall produce or sell Ayurveda Aahara intended for consumption by infants under the age of 24 months.
The addition of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to Ayurveda Aahara is prohibited. However, natural vitamins and minerals present in Ayurveda Aahara may be declared on the product label.
Food additives
Ayurveda Aahara covered under the Regulations shall contain only food additives as specified in the Regulations. Examples are shown as the table below:
Food Additive | Functional classes | Maximum permitted Level |
Guar gum (INS 412) | Thickener, stabilizer | 2% |
Mollasses | Sweetening agent | 5% |
Annatto extract, norbixin-based (INS 160b(ii)) | Colour | 100 mg/kg |
Citric acid (INS 330) | Acidity regulator | GMP* |
Rose oil | Flavouring agent | 1% |
Rosemary oil | Antioxidant | 1% |
Distilled oils of spices | Preservatives, flavouring agent | 2% |
* Quantity of this additive added to food shall be limited to the lowest possible level necessary to accomplish its desired effect.
Contaminants
The products covered under the regulations shall conform to the safety requirements specified in the regulations, including process hygiene criteria and permissible levels of contaminants. Example permissible levels of contaminants are shown in the table below.
Contaminant | Maximum limits |
Lead, mg per kg or mg per L | 2.5 |
Copper, mg per kg or mg per L | 30 |
Arsenic, mg per kg or mg per L | 1.1 |
Cadmium, mg per kg or mg per L | 1.5 |
Mercury, mg per kg or mg per L | 1.0 |
Labelling
In addition to the general labelling requirements in the Food Safety Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2022, there are specific labelling items regarding Ayurveda Aahara, including:
“AYURVEDA AAHARA” near the product name.
The Ayurveda Aahara logo on the front pack of the label.
An advisory warning “ONLY FOR DIETARY USE”
A statement that the Ayurveda Aahara is not to be used as a substitute for a varied diet
Warnings, precautions, side effects, contraindications, and published product and/or drug interactions, if any.
A statement that the product is required to be stored out of the reach of children.
A warning that the product is for oral consumption only and not for parenteral use.
The regulatory framework for Ayurveda Aahara balances tradition with modern food safety standards, ensuring that these products maintain their authenticity while meeting contemporary consumers’ expectations. As the Ayurveda market continues to grow, adherence to these regulations will be pivotal in establishing trust and credibility in both Indian domestic and international markets.
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