'Cheese, Whiskey, Chocolates…': India Returns 1,500 Imported Food Items Amid Quality Concerns

New Delhi: Exercising a stringent mechanism, India has refused to accept over 1,500 consignments of imported food products for failing to meet its rigorous quality and safety standards in the past two financial years.  

These consignments originated from the various countries and trade blocs, including developed economies which are themselves known to exercise the highest level of regulations, an official was quoted as saying in Mint.  

Interestingly, over the past few years, several Indian food items have faced rejections by other countries in recent times.

India Exports Getting Rejected Overseas 

Earlier in May this year, popular Indian spice brand MDH, came under scrutiny for alleged contamination in some products. Hong Kong suspended sales of three spice blends made by MDH and one by another Indian company, Everest, for apparently containing high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.

Around 20 per cent, or 13 of MDH's 65 shipments to the United States were rejected after it failed checks for salmonella between October 2023 - when the current fiscal year started - and May 3, according to data revealed by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Turkey also rejected the Indian wheat consignment over phytosanitary concerns, prompting a ship to initiate its return journey in 2022.  

FSSAI's Role in Compliance for Imported Items

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has a three-tier verification process. The steps involve scrutinising documents, visual inspection, and sampling/ testing. Officials at entry points have an oversight on the stock while complying with the Indian standards. Food regulatory body prepares  Non-Conforming Reports for non-compliant samples which is taken into the consideration for barring entry into the Indian market, until compliance is verified.

FSSAI said that approximately 1,000 imported items were rejected in FY22-23 while around 500 items were rejected in FY23-24. The food items ranged from products like cheese, almonds, milk and milk products, whisky, dates, apples, coffee, seafood, and chocolates. 

Obtaining an FSSAI Importer License is a crucial requirement for those importing food products or ingredients into India. This license is essential for traceability and compliance with food safety regulations.