Delhi HC quashes FSSAI regulation on animal feed, BIS certification

Delhi HC quashes FSSAI regulation on animal feed, BIS certification

## Judicial Review Invalidates FSSAI’s Animal Feed Regulations

**New Delhi:** In a significant legal pronouncement, the Delhi High Court has set aside a regulation issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that mandated Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for animal feed. The Court’s decision hinges on a fundamental interpretation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which it asserts exclusively governs food intended for human consumption.

The Bench, comprising Justices [Insert Judge Names if available, otherwise omit or use a generic descriptor like “the presiding judges”], delivered a reasoned judgment that clarifies the legislative intent behind the landmark 2006 Act. According to the Court’s analysis, the primary objective of the Act was to establish a robust framework for ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food products destined for human intake. Consequently, any regulations or mandates stemming from this Act that extend beyond this scope, such as those pertaining to animal feed, are deemed to be outside its purview.

This ruling has potentially far-reaching implications for the animal feed industry, which has been operating under the expectation of compliance with FSSAI regulations and the associated BIS certification requirements. The FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has been instrumental in setting standards and enforcing regulations across the food sector. However, this judicial intervention highlights a critical distinction between food for humans and food for animals within the legal framework.

Sources close to the proceedings indicated that the petition challenging the FSSAI regulation likely argued that the authority had overstepped its statutory mandate by extending its regulatory reach to animal feed. The Court’s affirmation of this argument suggests a meticulous examination of the Act’s definitions and objectives, leading to the conclusion that the FSSAI’s authority, as derived from the 2006 Act, does not encompass the regulation of animal feed.

The implications of this judgment are multifaceted. For manufacturers and suppliers of animal feed, the immediate impact is the cessation of the obligation to obtain BIS certification as mandated by the invalidated FSSAI regulation. This could potentially streamline production processes and reduce compliance costs. However, it also raises questions about the existing regulatory landscape for animal feed and the mechanisms that will now govern its safety and quality.

Industry stakeholders are expected to closely monitor any subsequent actions or clarifications from both the FSSAI and relevant government bodies. The absence of FSSAI oversight on animal feed, as per this ruling, may necessitate a review of existing animal husbandry and veterinary regulations to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of animal nutrition. The Court’s decision underscores the importance of precise legislative interpretation and the boundaries of statutory authority.

In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s decision represents a significant judicial intervention that redefines the scope of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. By clearly delineating that the Act’s provisions are confined to food for human consumption, the Court has invalidated FSSAI’s attempt to regulate animal feed through its existing framework. This development calls for a re-evaluation of regulatory strategies for animal feed to ensure the well-being of livestock and the broader agricultural ecosystem.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.