Plans for new food labelling regulations are in cold storage for the second time this year. “We are postponing implementation of the new food labelling regulations until January 1st,” said Chief Food and Drugs Inspector, Ministry of Health, S.
Nagiah.
The new regulations on labelling of any type of domestically manufactured or imported food items, was originally due to come into force in April but was shelved by six months under industry protest.
The second implementation date was October but trade concerns are holding back the law for a second time.
“The postponement is to accommodate various requests by the trade for more time to prepare for compliance,” said Nagiah.
One of the main compliance hurdles is the investment by companies in stocks of pre-printed labels and packet.
At this point some companies claim as much as Rs 8 mn worth of labels.
Throwing away printed stocks and spending on new packaging that follow the latest labelling guidelines is not an option the lo