Need for Harmonization of Standards: A Case Study on Chocolates

Abstract

For global food trade, harmonization of standards, especially for processed foods is a must. The key task, in this regard for regulators across the world is to follow harmonized Food Code System (FCS). FSSAI, the Indian regulator of food safety, has already implemented FCS by categorizing processed foods in 18 number of harmonized codes. Coding is done based on the origin and type of raw food processed as also on the method of processing technology employed. Products which could be well-defined are categorized in codes numbering 1 to 16. Category 17 was made to list all those processed foods which could not be easily defined using the above-mentioned criteria. Category 18 which includes foods, not meant for direct consumption, is marked as category 99. The present paper is a case study that deals with the gaps existing in standards of chocolates in different countries. Standards and specifications for chocolates, as adopted by countries: India (FSSAI), USA (USFDA), EU (EFSA), Canada (CFIA) have been studied and compared them with those of Codex. This study shows that there exist gaps in following the FCS as well as quality standards of chocolates. The areas where regulators will have to pay special attention have been highlighted, in order to ensure that the consumers get the chocolates of same quality standards across the globe. The outcome of this study has provided multi-faceted new knowledge which will be useful for stakeholders of processed foods, especially, in India, where several types of chocolates are being imported.