Ayush Ministry confirms that ASU Facilities can be Used to Make Food Goods Licenced by FSSAI

The Ministry of Ayush has stated that, subject to certain criteria, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) manufacturing facilities can be used to manufacture food products licenced by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The clarification follows queries received by the Ministry from enterprises requesting clearance to manufacture items under both Ayush and FSSAI in the same manufacturing facilities, according to an office memorandum from the Ministry.

According to the Ministry, there is no specific ban in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules made thereunder to employ a combined manufacturing line and equipment for manufacturing items licenced under ASU and FSSAI. Furthermore, no instruction has been issued by FSSAI, which is under the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), limiting the manufacturing of food items under FSSAI licence or registration standards at premises where Ayush products are manufactured. "...it is to state that ASU facilities can be used for manufacturing food products licenced under FSSAI provided that the manufacturing company takes appropriate precautions to avoid cross contamination as per Schedule T of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," the Ministry stated.

It may be noted that the Ministry of Ayush and FSSAI, in May last year, has announced formulation of regulations on safety & quality standards for food products under ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ category. The comprehensive initiative was launched to ensure manufacturing of quality Ayurveda food products and help in expanding the international market for Make-In-India products. According to the regulation, 'Ayurveda Aahara' products will be manufactured and marketed in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022, and will be available in the market only after receiving a license/approval from FSSAI. A specific logo has been designed for the "Ayurveda Aahara" category, allowing for simpler identification and reinforcing the quality of Ayurvedic food products. FSSAI has been assigned to constitute an Expert Committee under the Ministry of Ayush consisting of relevant experts including representatives of FSSAI for providing recommendation on approval of claims and products and the committee shall also empower to address concerns regarding registration or licensing or certification or laboratory accreditation or testing or quality issues related to 'Ayurveda Aahara'.