FSSAI Issues Regulations for Ayurveda Aahara

Following public consultations, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified regulations for the Ayurveda Aahara segment, bringing regulatory clarity for food products based on Ayurveda-prescribed recipes such as herbal nutritional supplements.

This is the first time in the country that regulations for the Ayurveda Aahara segment have been implemented. These foods are prepared in accordance with the recipes, ingredients, and processes described in authoritative Ayurvedic books, and the regulations thus cover foods specified for consumption in accordance with Ayurvedic dietetics or pathya.

According to the regulations, which prescribe labelling and permissible additives standards for Ayurveda Aahara, manufacturers of these products will be required to display a "Ayurveda Aahara" logo and a warning advisory stating "only for dietary use" on the labels.

The regulations also prohibit manufacturers of such products from making any claims about disease treatment or cure. "The labelling, presentation, and advertisement shall not claim or refer to the Ayurveda Aahara having the property of preventing, treating, or curing a human disease," the regulations state.

Manufacturers will need to obtain "evidence-based prior approvals" from the food safety authority in order to make "disease-risk reduction" claims. Prior approvals will not be required for health benefit claims if they are supported by authoritative Ayurvedic texts, according to the regulations.

Every Ayurveda Aahara product label will also be required to specify the intended purpose, target consumer group, and recommended duration of use. The regulations also state that "no one shall manufacture or sell Ayurveda Aahara intended for administration to infants up to the age of 24 months."

Under the Ministry of Ayush, an expert committee will be formed comprised of relevant experts, including FSSAI representatives, to provide recommendations on the approval of claims in this segment and to address any issues regarding registration, licencing, certification, laboratory accreditation, testing, or quality of Ayurveda Aahara products.

The regulations also outline the additives that are permitted in Ayurveda Aahara. The regulations also prohibit the addition of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to such products. However, manufacturers must include a statement on the label about naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in such products.

The regulations also state that "the food business operator shall provide information on the purity criteria adopted for ingredients at the time of licencing and any subsequent changes."

The Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022 do not apply to Ayurvedic drugs or medicines listed in Schedule E-1 of the Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drug and Cosmetics Rules.