The BIS Certification for Iron Fortified Iodized Salt (Double Fortified Salt) Food Grade (IS 16232:2014) is very important for the manufacturer who wants to produce and sell high-quality fortified salt in India. The double-fortified salt is used in household usage as well as in the public nutrition program because it is useful for overcoming iron and iodine deficiency and achieving better health results. Requirements for the product, its fortification, quality parameters and tests are defined in IS 16232:2014.
According to the QCO of BIS, manufacturers need to have BIS Certification in order to manufacture, import, and sell iron fortified iodized salt in India. After successful test and evaluation of the manufacturer's factory by the BIS, the manufacturer is allowed to put the ISI Mark on the product, which means that the product complies with Indian standards.
IS 16232:2014 is the Indian Standard that establishes the requirements of Iron Fortified Iodized Salt (Double Fortified Salt) for consumption by humans. It lays down criteria regarding quality factors pertaining to fortification, physical and chemical composition, and packaging of such products for ensuring safety and effectiveness as a nutrition supplement. This Indian Standard has been published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to guarantee consistent quality in food-grade double fortified salt. Double fortified salt, as per BIS specifications, is -
It is mandatory to get BIS certification in accordance with IS 16232:2014 for all manufacturers, importers, and suppliers involved in the production and supply of iron and iodized salt in India. Applicable to -
Certification as per IS 16232:2014 assures that Iron Fortified Iodized Salt complies with rigorous standards for nutritional value and food safety norms prescribed by the BIS.
For the safety and guaranteed nutritional quality of Iron Fortified Iodized Salt (Double Fortified Salt), there are mandatory requirements provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards according to the standards IS 16232:2014. It ensures that producers control the level of fortification, purity, and stability of the product. Moreover, it ensures the guaranteed level of iodine and iron contained in the salt and its safety in human consumption. The quality criteria of Iron Fortified Iodized Salt according to BIS are given below -
The BIS certification process is responsible for ensuring that the Double Fortified Salt meets all the necessary criteria stipulated under IS 16232:2014. This process is carried out according to Scheme I of Bureau of Indian Standards.
Foreign manufacturers need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This person is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
After getting approval from BIS, the ISI mark for Iron Fortified Iodized Salt (Double Fortified Salt) as per IS 16232:2014 should always be visibly marked on every pack and bulk pack available for sale. This is because it verifies that the particular item conforms to all safety, purity, and fortification criteria that have been set out for food-grade products by BIS. Apart from the ISI Mark, other important information such as the name of the producer and their licence number (CM/L) is also necessary. More details are provided below -
The cost involved in getting approval from BIS for Iron Fortified Iodized Salt (Double Fortified Salt) in terms of IS 16232:2014 comprises costs of application, testing, plant inspection, issuance of the license, and marking. The cost is charged in accordance with Scheme I of the Bureau of Indian Standards. The cost may differ according to the production volume, testing requirements, manufacturing setup and BIS fee structure of the food item category.
Note -
Any non-compliance with BIS guidelines for Iron Fortified Iodized Salt (Double Fortified Salt) as per IS 16232:2014 shall attract strict action. As this is a product subject to essential food safety and public health regulations, BIS maintains stringent surveillance in the form of inspection, sampling and monitoring in the markets. Any deviation from the laid down standards of fortification content, quality of the product, labeling and licensing terms is regarded as an infraction, which can be penalized by suspension or revocation of the BIS License, apart from any legal action that could be initiated.
Iron Fortified Iodized Salt, which is also called Double Fortified Salt, has a very important role to play in dealing with iron and iodine deficiencies in public health nutrition programs. By using this food-grade product, there is an assurance of proper nutritional intake and good health. Following IS 16232:2014 ensures that the manufacturing of this product will comply with all BIS requirements in terms of fortification level, purity, moisture, and stability of the product. Certification for Iron Fortified Iodized Salt from BIS assures that the product complies with the safety and quality standards as prescribed and thus enables manufacturers to put ISI marking on the product. It builds consumer confidence, improves acceptance of the product within government and institution channels, and helps manufacturers comply with regulations in India. It also helps in building the credibility of the market among manufacturers. Manufacturers of IS 16232:2014 can easily obtain the BIS certification with the help of EVTL India experts.