FSSAI Manual of Methods
Definition
The Indian reference method catalogue (Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods), published by the Food Safety Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Chapter 04 covers oils and fats analytical methods; Chapter 08 covers spices and condiments.
- Full name
- Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods
- Publisher
- Food Safety Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Relevant chapter (oils)
- Chapter 04
- Relevant chapter (spices)
- Chapter 08
Common questions
Why does an adulteration case need to cite the specific chapter of the FSSAI Manual used?+
Each chapter specifies the validated analytical method for a food category, and a result is only defensible in court if the analyst followed the prescribed procedure for that category, so citing the exact chapter shows the correct, legally recognised method was applied rather than an ad hoc test.
Does the FSSAI Manual of Methods align with international reference methods like AOAC?+
Many of its procedures are adapted from or benchmarked against international bodies such as AOAC International and BIS standards, though it also includes India-specific methods for adulterants more common in the domestic market, such as argemone oil detection in edible oils.
Related terms
- Acid-Insoluble Ash
- The fraction of a food's mineral content that does not dissolve in 10% hydrochloric acid, reflecting mineral adulterants (brick, sand, talc, soil)....
- Epidemic Dropsy
- The clinical syndrome caused by sanguinarine from argemone-oil-adulterated mustard oil: bilateral pitting oedema, erythema with brownish discolouration, glaucoma from trabecular meshwork permeability...
- HHXRF
- Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry: a portable elemental analysis method that detects characteristic X-ray emission from elements in the sample. Used for field...
- ICP-MS
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: the laboratory reference method for trace element quantification in food matrices. Uses high-temperature argon plasma to atomise...
- Lead Chromate (PbCrO4)
- Chrome yellow, a synthetic inorganic pigment historically used in industrial paints and road markings. Added to turmeric to intensify the yellow colour;...
- Lead Isotope Source Attribution
- A forensic tool for tracing the geological or industrial origin of lead in a sample. The 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/206Pb ratios are characteristic...
- RASFF
- Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed: the EU notification mechanism (under Regulation EU 178/2002) for immediate cross-border communication of food safety...
- Sanguinarine
- A benzophenanthridine alkaloid (C20H14NO4+) present in Argemone mexicana seed oil. The principal toxic component of argemone-oil contamination in mustard oil; inhibits pyruvate...
- Sudan Dyes (I-IV)
- Fat-soluble monoazo and bisazo synthetic pigments (MW 248-380 g/mol) prohibited in food globally; added to chilli and paprika to enhance red colour....