The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) has initiated a statewide drive to collect and test samples of imported chocolates amid growing concerns about the presence of alcohol in imported chocolates. The move follows reports that many imported chocolates contain traces of alcohol but fail to clearly disclose this on their packaging, potentially posing risks to consumers, especially children.
The department’s action comes after a directive from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), New Delhi, as part of its National Annual Surveillance Plan (NASP) for 2025. The directive mandates states to conduct regular product-specific sampling to identify food safety risks, including contamination, adulteration, and labelling non-compliance. For the month of May, the focus is on imported food products, with an emphasis on verifying labelling accuracy and safety.
As part of this exercise, the Karnataka FDA has collected 23 samples of imported chocolates from various retail outlets across the state. These samples will undergo comprehensive testing to check for quality, safety, and adherence to labelling regulations.
Alcohol in Imported Chocolates: A Label Transparency Issue
According to a senior FDA official, while alcohol is not a mandatory ingredient in chocolates, certain foreign brands use it to enhance flavour, particularly in varieties such as liqueur-filled or truffle chocolates. The alcohol content in these products can range between 1 to 5 per cent by volume.
The official emphasised that any alcohol presence in food products must be explicitly mentioned on the label, as per the food safety regulations. This is especially important as children and certain vulnerable groups are legally prohibited from consuming alcohol. Failure to disclose alcohol content not only breaches labelling laws but also poses potential health risks.
“Undisclosed or excessive alcohol content in chocolates can endanger consumer health and violate food safety standards,” the official said. “Our tests will ensure that all imported chocolates comply with these standards, providing protection and clarity for consumers.”
Focus on Label Compliance
The FDA’s current sampling drive targets labelling compliance, seeking to verify that manufacturers disclose all necessary information, including the presence of alcohol in imported chocolates. Many imported chocolates popular among consumers have labels that do not adequately warn about alcohol content, raising concerns over inadvertent consumption by children or other at-risk groups.
The testing process involves both physical and chemical analysis to confirm the actual presence and concentration of alcohol in the chocolates. Products failing to meet safety criteria or labelling requirements may face regulatory action, including penalties or product recalls.
National Directive and Enforcement Strategy
The FSSAI’s directive under the NASP aims to strengthen the enforcement of food safety standards across India. Monthly thematic drives, like the current focus on imported food items, help identify and address specific risks. The directive instructs food safety officers in all states to collect a minimum of five samples of imported foods available locally each month for laboratory analysis.
The FSSAI will enter the data collected from these tests into FoSCoS, a centralised digital platform that facilitates real-time compliance monitoring and helps authorities take prompt action against offenders. This approach aims to enhance transparency and accountability across the food supply chain.
Protecting Consumers Through Vigilance
The FDA’s initiative to examine alcohol in imported chocolates is a step towards ensuring safer food products reach consumers. It highlights the importance of accurate labelling and adherence to safety norms, particularly for items that may contain ingredients restricted for certain populations.
Consumers need to check product labels carefully and avoid chocolates that do not clearly state their contents. Parents and caregivers should be particularly vigilant with products marketed to children. The department encourages consumers to report any suspicious or non-compliant products to local food safety authorities.
For businesses dealing with imported food products, obtaining FSSAI registration is mandatory. Vakilsearch offers a straightforward FSSAI registration service to help companies comply with food safety regulations quickly and efficiently.
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