New Delhi, Jan 1 (KNN) Several key new food standards will come into force from 1st January, 2019, said Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) in its press release.

The new food standards include- 1. Standards for all pulses, whole and decorticated pearl millet grains, de-germedmaize flour and maize grit, couscous, tempe, textured soy protein, sago flour, bee wax and royal jelly. 2. Microbiological standards for fruits and vegetables and their products. 3. All provisions of organic food regulations. 4. Standards for honey, except few parameters where test methods are being validated.

Some of the key regulations include the ones on alcoholic beverages, food fortification, advertising and claims, packaging, residues of pesticides, tolerance limits of antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances.

Tolerance limit of antibiotics and pharmacology active substances would come into effect on January 1st, 2019.

Representations have however been received from various stakeholders highlighting some technical issues, hence the compliance period is being extended by three months so sort out these issues.

Standards for alcoholic beverages will come into force on April 1st, 2019 to coincide with financial year requirements excise laws.

Food fortification regulations will come into force on July 1st, 2019.

New standards for fruits and vegetable including canned tomato, jam, jelly and marmalade that were notified earlier had come into on July 1st, 2018.

Revised standards for milk and milk products have come into force on July 1st, 2018, except the compliance of labeling requirement for frozen dessert which would apply from July 1st, 2019 unless reviewed.

The regulations on Advertising and Claims, packaging and labeling requirements of Blended Edible Vegetable Oils will come into force on July 1st, 2019.