FSSAI extends timeline for using old packaging materials by tea FBOs

The FSSAI has allowed food businesses involved in tea manufacturing, to use old preprinted packaging materials.

According to the apex food regulator, it has received several representations from tea manufacturers and tea estates asking for an extension to the timeline given by the food authority to use the old packaging materials.

Ms. Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director, FSSAI, said that FSSAI was in receipt of representations from various tea estates (FBOs) and the Indian Tea Association seeking 06 months’ extension in the cases of permission to use non-retail pre-printed bulk tea packages instead of the existing 03 months being permitted by FSSAI.

The Tea Board, in its request, has added that the period January – February were the off-season months for the tea industry when there is no production and hence no utilisation of these packaging materials during this period. In view of above facts of the case and considering the seasonality of tea flushes, it has been decided to grant time extension of 06 months for permission to tea manufacturing FBOs/estates to use non-retail bulk tea packages, reads the order issued by FSSAI.

The order added that the tea estates/tea manufacturing FBOs who have already been granted approval letters by FSSAI for utilisation of pre-printed packaging material for a period of 03 months may be read as extension for 06 months from the date of issuance of the approval letter.