FSSAI Introduces New ‘Ayurveda Aahara‘ Category for Food Licensing
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established a new category – ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ – for food products rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts, streamlining the licensing process for manufacturers and bolstering consumer confidence. The regulations, initially announced in May 2022, formally recognize preparations detailed in Ayurvedic literature, offering a clear pathway to central licensing.
The new category encompasses a diverse range of conventional foods, including ‘Angarakarkati’ (baked wheat balls), ‘Krishara’ (khichdi), ‘Dadhi’ (curd-based preparations), ‘panaka’ (fruit drinks), and ’Gulkand’ (rose petal jam).
According to an FSSAI official, “This change gives manufacturers a clear way to get a central license. The main impact is that it provides a structured process, making it easier for businesses to sell these products legally. It also helps ensure the products’ safety and quality, which builds trust with consumers.”
The development is the result of collaboration between the FSSAI and the Ministry of Ayush. The new system allows Food Business Operators (FBOs) to request inclusion of additional products, supported by documentation from authoritative Ayurvedic texts.Dr. Ankit Bansal, consultant of internal medicine & infectious diseases at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi, highlighted the meaning of ‘Ayurveda Aahara’, stating, “Ayurveda Aahaar is a valuable bridge between nutrition and medicine. Rooted in centuries-old wisdom, it treats food as the first line of therapy, helping prevent and manage lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.”
Sanjeev Asthana, chief executive officer of Patanjali Foods Ltd, emphasized the regulatory gap this addresses. “The regulation fills a critical gap in the regulatory framework governing ayurvedic food products, which lacked formal recognition and licensing avenues,” he said. “For consumers,this assures safety,quality,and authenticity. For the industry,it provides clarity and a clear legal framework for licensing and registration.” Asthana also anticipates a boost to exports and global acceptance of India’s Ayurvedic food products.
responses to queries from FSSAI and industry players Dabur, Tata Consumer Products, and Organic India were not received at the time of publication.