New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food businesses across the country to stop using rusted, corroded, chipped or damaged knives, blades and other cutting equipment, warning that such tools can contaminate food and violate hygiene regulations.
In an advisory issued on June 15, the food regulator said it had received reports of food businesses using unsuitable cutting equipment during food handling, processing, slicing and packaging operations. According to FSSAI, the use of damaged or poorly maintained tools increases the risk of physical, chemical and microbiological contamination.
The authority reminded food business operators that existing food safety regulations require all equipment, utensils and food-contact surfaces to be made from food-grade, non-toxic and corrosion-resistant materials. These items must also be maintained in hygienic condition and cleaned and disinfected at regular intervals.
As part of the advisory, FSSAI has instructed food businesses to ensure that only food-grade and corrosion-resistant knives, blades and cutting equipment are used in food processing and handling operations. Operators have also been directed to maintain such equipment in a clean and defect-free condition.
The regulator said knives and cutting tools showing signs of rust, corrosion, chipping, cracks, paint damage or other defects that could contaminate food must be removed from service immediately and replaced. It also called for proper cleaning, sanitisation and sterilisation procedures to be followed wherever applicable.
FSSAI noted that these requirements are already covered under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, which lays down sanitary and hygienic standards for food businesses.
The authority warned that violations could invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations. It has also asked state food safety commissioners, licensing authorities and food safety officers to maintain strict vigilance during inspections and initiate action wherever non-compliance is detected.
The advisory is part of the regulator's broader efforts to strengthen food safety practices and reduce contamination risks across the food supply chain.
BI Bureau
