FSSAI has issued a letter dated 12th April 2021 regarding guidance for grant of license for manufacture/processing of Tapioca Sago and other Starches in the same premises.
FSSAI referred to the issue of allowing the manufacturing of Tapioca Sago and Maize Globules or Blended Starch Balls in the same premises while addressing the concerns related to the adulteration of Tapioca Sago with other sources of starch viz. maize.
The matter has been reviewed by FSSAI and clarified that there is no prohibition on manufacturing of Tapioca Sago and other standardized starches as per FSSR in the same premises after appropriate inspection and verification of the FSMS plan and layout of the premises. However, FSSAI states that care should be taken to rule out any chances of operational mixing or combined storage or package of these products. The FBOs shall ensure clearly demarcated separate areas for receipt of raw material, storage and packaging and distinct processing lines if these products are being manufactured in the same premises.
Further, the States/UTs with a high density of such Sago manufacturers shall keep a strict vigil on adulteration by way of regular surveillance and inspections of these premises.
FSSAI also states that the standards of Tapioca Sago and Maize Starch have already been specified under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations), 2011. The FBOs shall ensure strict compliance with the specified standards as per the FSSR.
Further FSSAI has clarified that the combination of standardized products to formulate a Proprietary Product is allowed in cases of mixes of starches, till the time it is complying with the sub-regulation 2.12 of FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The labels of such proprietary products shall also clearly depict and state that the product is a blend of starches along with the declaration of percentage composition of each starch and the process of preparation of the blend. Further, FBO should ensure that there is no confusion regarding the identity of the product (with Sago or Tapioca products), either in calligraphy or pictorials on the label of such products.
Source: FSSAI
