We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry. current time
WPPS Seeks Risk-Based Wheat Safety Framework from FSSAI
The Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS) has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to introduce a wheat-specific, risk-based system for sampling and testing, along with clearer due-diligence requirements for grain processors. The proposal seeks to strengthen enforcement and monitoring without diluting existing health-based food-safety standards.
The industry body has recommended that sampling protocols account for the nature of the wheat supply chain, where grain is collected and blended from multiple sources. The proposed framework would clearly define commercial lots, incremental and composite sampling, sample retention, risk categories, testing frequency and conditions that would require further investigation.
WPPS has also sought an operational due-diligence checklist for processors under Section 80, covering areas such as supplier approval, traceability, storage conditions, moisture management, fumigation and pest-control documentation. It has called for statutory confirmatory and referral testing procedures to make enforcement more consistent.
Another key demand is a single, regularly updated reference covering pesticide limits applicable to wheat and wheat flour. The proposed map would include legal notifications, maximum residue limits and pesticide registration details, while providing clarity on the enforceable chlorpyrifos limit for wheat and wheat flour.
The society has further proposed a standardised Wheat Safety Data Passport containing essential information from organised suppliers, warehouses, mandis, farmer producer organisations and public agencies. Such a system could improve traceability and provide regulators and processors with better information about the movement and handling of wheat.
On aflatoxin control, WPPS has recommended a risk-based surveillance mechanism, with more frequent testing in areas and supply channels with a known history of contamination. It has also suggested a scientific review of infestation-related terminology and measurable categories used for wheat flour.
Before any changes are made to numerical limits for pesticides or mycotoxins, the organisation has proposed a two-season national surveillance programme covering major wheat-producing regions, storage facilities and different supply channels. The findings could provide India-specific evidence for future regulatory decisions.
WPPS has also suggested developing a Wheat Safety Due-Diligence Code of Practice in line with Codex principles, FSSAI food-safety requirements and Section 80. It has offered support for a national surveillance pilot, with the broader objective of making future regulatory changes evidence-based and proportionate to actual risks.
