Question : US REGULATIONS FOR INDIAN FOOD PRODUCTS

(a) whether US is formulating new regulations under the Bio-terrorism Act which will make it mandatory for Indian food products exporters to get a mandatory registration from USFDA;

(b) if so, whether the new regulations would require Indian firms that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption in the US to get their facilities registered with the USFDA;

(c) if so, whether exports of Basmati Spices and even ready-to-eat packaged food products from India would be affected by this new regulations; and

(d) if so, the remedial measures proposed to be taken to face the situation?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI S. B. MOOKHERJEE )

(a) & (b): United States has introduced new regulations for registration of food facilities which has come into force with effect from 12th December, 2003 following the adoption of the Public Health Security and Bio Terrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Bio Terrorism Act). This Act requires all domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, distribute, receive or hold food for consumption by humans or animals in the US to register with the US Food and Drug Administration.

(c) & (d) : It is pre-mature to assess the impact of new Regulations on exports of Indian products including basmati, spices and ready-to-eat packaged food products to USA.