India Focus: FSSAI, Biokraft Foods, Kamlah Gold and more

Firms producing infant nutrition, packaged drinking water, and other “high-risk” items must obtain either a State or Central License that involves stricter compliance requirements. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed stricter licensing rules for manufacturers of high-risk food products, citing concerns over safety compliance among small-scale operators. This includes infant formula, milk powders, packaged drinking water, non-carbonated water-based beverages Under the new proposal, no new FSSAI registrations or renewals will be allowed for firms producing these categories. Instead, manufacturers must obtain either a State or Central License, both of which involve higher compliance requirements, technical oversight, and regular inspections. Food tech start-up Biokraft Foods unveils India’s first cultivated trout fillets as it pursues regulatory approval for its 3D-printed chicken. Biokraft Foods launched the trout fillets in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR) – an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of the Government of India. Founder and CEO Kamalnayan Tibrewal called the partnership “an exciting milestone” and a “breakthrough” in expanding the firm’s cultivated protein portfolio. India-based Kamlah Gold launches a new range of premixes, teabags, and loose teas in Singapore, with customisation at the core of its strategy for APAC and Middle Eastern markets. The firm’s new range offers convenience and wellness with herb- and spice-infused blends designed for quick preparation and portability. The new range’s premixes and teabags come in individually packed sachets, while loose tea leaves are packed in resealable 100g pouches, which help retain aroma and freshness. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) continues to place its faith in its Nutrition Drinks portfolio comprising the Horlicks and Boost brands as future key growth products, despite domestic growth challenges. HUL recently announced its FY2024 full-year financial results, reporting 2% underlying sales growth to INR606bn (US$7.16bn) in turnover and 5% growth in profit after tax year-on-year to INR106bn (US$1.26bn). According to HUL CEO and Managing Director Rohit Jawa, the overall FMCG market in India has witnessed subdued demand trends in the 2024 financial year so the firm remains cautious about the market moving forward. India’s food safety regulator has launched a digital tool for consumers to report misleading food labels — but experts warn that its impact may be hampered by limited public awareness The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out a digital reporting mechanism that allows consumers to file complaints about misleading claims on food packaging. Former FSSAI director Pradip Chakraborty welcomed the FSSAI’s move to empower consumers to report misleading food labels but stressed that its success hinges on public awareness. He pointed out that general consumer awareness is still lacking, with only a small and relatively literate section of the population paying attention to food labels or regulations.