The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released a draft notification proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, following approval from the Central Government. The proposed amendments are issued under Section 92 read with Section 23 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and aim to strengthen regulatory clarity related to food packaging materials.
The draft regulation, titled Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, introduces several new definitions within Regulation 2 (Definitions) to improve regulatory oversight of packaging materials that come into contact with food. These definitions are intended to align the regulatory framework with modern packaging technologies and food safety considerations.
Among the newly proposed definitions is “food contact material,” which refers to any material, article, or product intended to come into contact with food, including active and intelligent packaging materials, provided that such materials do not cause undesirable effects on food quality or consumer health. The amendment also defines “food grade contact material,” referring to materials used in manufacturing, processing, handling, packaging, storage, or transportation of food that must comply with prescribed safety standards and must not cause unacceptable changes to the composition or characteristics of food during intended use.
The draft further introduces a definition for “modified atmosphere packaging (MAP),” describing packaging systems in which the internal atmosphere of the package is altered to optimize conditions for extending shelf life and maintaining food quality. Additionally, “food packaging” is defined broadly as any package used for containment, protection, handling, storage, transport, and presentation of food throughout the supply chain—from raw materials to processed food products and from producers to consumers.
Another important addition is the definition of “non-intentionally added substances (NIAS),” referring to chemical substances that may be present in food contact materials or food contact articles but are not deliberately added during manufacturing, often arising from impurities, reaction by-products, or degradation products.
The draft also defines “aseptic packaging,” describing the process in which a sterilized product is filled into a sterilized container and sealed under sterile conditions, preventing contamination and supporting extended shelf life without compromising food safety.
FSSAI has invited public comments, objections, or suggestions within 60 days from the date the Gazette notification becomes available to the public. Stakeholders may submit their feedback to the Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI via official correspondence or email.
These proposed amendments are intended to enhance regulatory clarity for food packaging materials and emerging packaging technologies, thereby strengthening consumer protection and ensuring that packaging materials used in the food supply chain meet appropriate safety standards.
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