New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a nationwide advisory directing all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to use only food-grade, corrosion-resistant knives, blades and cutting equipment, warning that rusted, chipped, painted or damaged tools can contaminate food and attract regulatory action.

The food regulator said it had come to its notice that certain food businesses were using rusted, corroded, chipped, painted and otherwise unsuitable knives, blades and cutting equipment during food handling, preparation, processing, slicing and packaging operations.

FSSAI noted that existing provisions under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, already mandate that all food-contact surfaces, equipment and utensils used in food handling and processing must be made of food-grade, non-toxic and corrosion-resistant materials and maintained in a hygienic condition.

The regulator warned that the use of damaged or non-food-grade cutting equipment could result in physical, chemical and microbiological contamination of food, posing risks to consumer safety.

Key directions issued by FSSAI

The advisory instructs food businesses to ensure:

  • Only food-grade, corrosion-resistant knives, blades and cutting equipment are used in food handling and processing operations.
  • All cutting tools are maintained in a sound and hygienic condition and remain free from rust, corrosion, chipping, paint, cracks, breakage or any other defect that may contaminate food.

  • Rusted, corroded, chipped, damaged or otherwise unsuitable knives and blades are immediately removed from use and replaced.

  • Adequate cleaning, sanitisation and sterilisation procedures are followed at prescribed intervals for knives, blades and cutting equipment.

States told to step up inspections

FSSAI has also directed Commissioners of Food Safety in all states and Union Territories, along with Regional Directors and Food Safety Officers, to maintain strict vigilance during inspections and ensure compliance with the advisory.

The authority said appropriate action should be initiated wherever violations are detected under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.