The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn its earlier notification regarding the copper content limit in hops pellets used in brewing beer. The food regulator now directs all food businesses to follow a safer and more practical copper limit of 20 mg per kilogram for hops pellets.
In 2022, FSSAI had set a very high copper limit for imported hops used in beer making up to 1000 parts per million (ppm). This limit was based on standards from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which applies to dried hops, hops pellets, and powder forms.
What Has Changed?
The latest order from FSSAI states that all imported hops pellets must meet the copper limits specified under the “foods not specified” category in the FSS (Contaminants, Toxins, & Residues) Regulations of 2011. This means the copper limit is now set at 30 mg/kg instead of the earlier 1000 ppm (which is equal to 1000 mg/kg). However, to ensure safety and uniformity, FSSAI has advised food businesses to maintain copper levels at 20 mg/kg in hops pellets.
What Should Food Businesses Do?
Hops pellets are used only as an ingredient in beer production and are not directly consumed by people. The change in the copper limit aims to protect consumer safety while aligning with realistic manufacturing standards.
Food companies importing or using hops pellets for beer must now follow the 20 mg/kg copper limit. This helps ensure the quality and safety of beer without compromising production.
Date : 23 August 2025
Time : 10 AM to 5 PM
Fee : Rs. 1180
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