1. Tackling Misleading Publicity of Processed Foods: AIFPA has been raising its concern over rampant negative publicity about Processed Food by the social media bloggers without any scientific background and met the Secretary MoFPI for his immediate intervention against misleading publicity in processed foods. Acting on this, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) formed a committee focused on policy, regulation, consumer awareness, and ethical advertising. To continue the momentum, AIFPA centered its 80th Annual Conference around the theme: “Negativity & Myths About Food Processing: The Science Behind Safe and Healthy Food”, reaffirming its commitment to promoting scientific truth and food safety.

2. Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) – Health Star Rating: FSSAI is in the process of notifying new regulations for Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL), which includes a Health Star Rating system. However, many in the food industry felt that this system was not appropriate for imposing. To represent the industry’s concerns, AIFPA is one of the respondents in the Supreme Court against a PIL filed in support of the proposed regulation.

3. GST Classification of Canned Mushrooms: AIFPA requested clarification on the GST classification of canned mushrooms, currently disputed between industry (Chapter 7 – lower GST) and tax authorities (Chapter 20 – higher GST). The association sought resolution to avoid retroactive tax demands and ensure business continuity.

4. Inclusion of Dehulled Oats under India-Australia FTA: To promote competitiveness, AIFPA advocated the inclusion of dehulled oats (HS11042200) at 0% customs duty under the India–Australia FTA. Given supply limitations and high duties, Australia is the only viable source. This step would encourage domestic value addition, exports, and benefit farmers.

5. Import of Prime-Quality Tinplate for Food Cans: Given a domestic production shortfall, AIFPA requested easier import of prime tinplate (needed for open-top sanitary cans), to support packaging and processing sectors and prevent bottlenecks.

6. GST Reduction on Carbonated Fruit Beverages: AIFPA urged reducing the GST from 28% + 12% cess to 12% on carbonated fruit-based beverages to stimulate industry growth, enhance GST collection, reduce fruit wastage, and create jobs. It emphasized support for farmers and MSMEs, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ vision.

7. Blending of Mustard & Sunflower Oil: AIFPA advocated for the continuation of legitimate blended edible oils, opposing blanket bans due to adulteration concerns. The association called for targeted enforcement against illegal operators and recommended boosting sunflower oil production through agricultural R&D and policy measures.

8. Comments on Indian Mithai & Namkeen Standards: AIFPA submitted technical feedback on draft FSSAI standards for Indian sweets and namkeens, suggesting refinements to limits, definitions, and testing methods to accommodate traditional product diversity.

9. Proposed Labelling & Display Amendments: AIFPA highlighted practical issues in the draft labelling amendments, such as ingredient declaration formatting, tolerances, and layout constraints. It proposed clearer language and transitional provisions for smoother compliance.

10. Six-Monthly Lab Report Upload on FOSCOS Portal: While supporting transparency, AIFPA raised concerns about logistical burdens and data privacy risks related to uploading lab reports. It called for phased implementation and clear SOPs.

11. Standards for Non-Carbonated Water-Based Beverages: AIFPA offered technical inputs on parameters like mineral content, acidity, microbiology, and labelling for these beverages, aiming to align with global food safety benchmarks.

12. Revision of Alcoholic Acidity Limits in Oat-Based Foods: In collaboration with stakeholders, AIFPA submitted data-backed recommendations to recalibrate alcoholic acidity limits in oat-based products, citing international best practices.

13. GST Verification Issues on Aerated Fruit Beverages: Following GST relief for beverages with ≥5% fruit content, AIFPA flagged verification challenges and misclassification risks, requesting a simple and standardized testing protocol.

14. Review of 45th GST Council Decision on Carbonated Fruit Juices: AIFPA raised concerns over the categorization of carbonated fruit drinks as ‘sin goods’, urging a policy review to reflect their nutritional value and economic importance.

15. Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FoPNL) Concerns: AIFPA objected to the “one-size-fits-all” approach in the proposed FoPNL system, particularly for institutional supplies (e.g., to schools/hostels), and requested industry-specific considerations.

16. CETP Charges Impact on Industry: AIFPA raised concerns about arbitrary and excessive Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) charges imposed on food processors. It urged rationalization and linking charges to actual water usage.

17. Plastic Packaging Ban in Tamil Nadu: AIFPA highlighted the negative impact of Tamil Nadu’s plastic packaging ban on food processors and sought central intervention to establish a national policy and promote viable alternatives.

18. Inclusion of Fruit Pulp and Concentrate under HSN Code 2007: To align with global trade norms and reduce confusion for exporters, AIFPA urged the classification of fruit pulp and concentrates (like mango puree) under HSN Code 2007.

List is endless…….. AIFPA is ceaselessly working for development and progress of Indian Food Processing Industries.