FSSAI clarifies, Hop Pellets should conform to copper limit by it, EFSA

The FSSAI has issued a clarification with respect to ‘Hop Pellets’, used in manufacturing of beer, and stated that ‘Hop Pellets’ should conform to the copper limit specified by it as well as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

FSSAI has said that the prescribed limit of copper in ‘Hop Pellets’ has been fixed at max 1000ppm. FSSAI’s statement reads, “It is clarified that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has specified the limits for copper in Hops (dried), including Hop Pellets and unconcentrated powder max at 1000ppm. Therefore, the imported product ‘Hops Pellet’ shall conform to the copper limit specified by the EFSA as well as all the other FSSAI standards,”

In this regard, the Trade and International Cooperation Division, FSSAI, has issued the order after various stakeholders sought clarification on the subject wherein ‘Hop Pellets’ imported to India were tested for copper under the ‘Food Not Specified’ category. According to FSSAI, the food authority was in receipt of representations wherein ‘Hop Pellets’ imported to India, meant for use as an ingredient in the manufacturing of beer and not for direct human consumption, were tested for copper as per limits prescribed under ‘food not specified’ category as per the FSS (Contaminants, Toxins & Residue) Regulations.