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India Tightens Food Products Importation Through New FIRA Portal

India has rejected various food consignments, including categories such as fruits and vegetables, health supplements, nutraceuticals, and alcoholic beverages, from countries like China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Turkey.

Recently, the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a new online portal Food Import Rejection Alert (FIRA). This tool allows the FSSAI to notify food safety stakeholders worldwide of rejected food imports, which enhances transparency, traceability, and swift communication regarding food safety concerns.

As the FIRA portal can make information on rejected food consignments more accessible, it helps prevent health risks before they escalate. Recent updates show that several consignments from countries such as China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Turkey have been rejected for failing to meet India’s food safety standards. These rejections span a variety of products, including apples, nuts, alcoholic beverages, and sushi, all flagged due to concerns over safety, quality, or compliance with FSSAI regulations. 

The rejections published on the FIRA portal highlight the importance of adhering to food safety requirements to avoid shipment delays and additional costs.

Here is a summary of the food rejections posted on the FIRA platform:

Product Name

Product Category

Country of Origin

Reason for Rejection

Date of Rejection

Fresh apple red delicious

Fruits and vegetables products

Turkey

Balance shelf life is not sufficient.

July 31, 2024

Budweiser 0.0 (non alcoholic beer) (green apple)

Alcoholic beverages, non alcoholic beverages including water

China

The pH value is less than the prescribed limit for Alcohol-free Beer.

May 31, 2024

(Tea bag) SH 10P

Health supplements, nutraceuticals

Japan

Prior product approval is required, as  “Rooibos” is not listed as a permitted plant/botanical ingredient.

June 25, 2024

(Tea bag) SH 50P

Health supplements, nutraceuticals

Japan

Prior product approval is required as  “Rooibos” is not listed as a permitted plant/botanical ingredient.

June 25, 2024

(Tea bag) SH 20P

Health supplements, nutraceuticals

Japan

Prior product approval is required as “Rooibos” is not listed as a permitted plant/botanical ingredient

June 25, 2024

Cinnamon flower bud (dry)

Spices and condiments

Sri Lanka

Prior product approval is required.

May 24, 2024

Sri Lankan arecanut

Fruits & vegetables products

Sri Lanka

Visible mould presents;

Nuts are damaged by moulds and insects; Nuts are blemished/cracked, broken, and not fully dehusked.

April 22, 2024

Arecanut (betelnut) whole

Fruits & vegetables products

Bangladesh

Nuts are damaged by moulds and insects;

Moisture (%) exceeds the prescribed limits.

February 20, 2024

Sushi nori

Proprietary food

China

Heavy Metal - Arsenic presents

May 6, 2024

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