FSSAI, with Ayush ministry, drafts norms for Ayurveda Aahara, focusing on health-promoting food products.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in collaboration with the Union Ayush ministry, is finalising licensing and logistics guidelines for businesses manufacturing and selling Ayurveda Aahara products. These guidelines will be officially released shortly after the upcoming elections, according to two senior officials.
Ayurveda Aahara, a category introduced in 2022, includes food products made from ingredients known to promote health, without containing any drugs or medicinal components. The category encompasses five distinct types and around 800 traditional Ayurvedic recipes. The forthcoming regulations define “Ayurveda Aahara” as food prepared using recipes or processes outlined in authoritative Ayurvedic texts listed under ‘Schedule A’ of the FSSAI regulations.
Ayush ministry secretary, Rajesh Kotecha, emphasised the global significance of Ayurveda and its potential commercial value. He highlighted that Ayurveda goes beyond pharmaceuticals, encompassing proper lifestyle and dietary practices. The initiative aims to create a robust framework for the industry, enabling businesses to obtain licences to produce and market these traditional recipes.
The move is expected to open significant business opportunities, both domestically and internationally, while promoting health benefits. The finalisation of these regulations involves detailed logistic planning, including application procedures, eligibility criteria, and licensing duration. The initiative seeks to revive traditional recipes and ingredients, contributing to a balanced diet and broader public health goals.
