Exclusive Webinar Series with Dr. Lalitha Gowda: Preparing for the 10th Food Analyst Examination (10th FAE-2024)

As part of our efforts to support aspiring food analysts, India Section of AOAC International recently hosted a series of insightful webinars, specifically designed to help students prepare for the 10th Food Analyst Examination (10th FAE-2024). Led by the esteemed Dr. Lalitha Gowda, former Chief Scientist at CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, these sessions provided deep insights into various critical topics.

Meet Your Trainer: Dr. Lalitha Gowda

Dr. Lalitha Gowda is a highly regarded expert in food safety, having served at the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute for over 27 years. She holds a doctorate from Baylor University, Texas, and completed her post-doctoral training at the University of Cambridge, UK. With years of experience, Dr. Gowda brings unmatched expertise and a wealth of knowledge to these sessions, ensuring that attendees will receive comprehensive guidance on the latest in food safety regulations.

Webinar Schedule:

Below is the complete schedule of sessions running from 1st October to 9th October 2024:

Session – Topics	Date	Time	Trainer
Food Safety and Standards Act of India – Definitions, sections, etc.	Tuesday, 1st October	11:30 am – 1:00 pm	Dr. Lalitha Gowda
FSSR – Licensing, registration, and enforcement	Tuesday, 1st October	3:30 pm – 5:00 pm	Dr. Lalitha Gowda
FSS (Food Products and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011	Thursday, 3rd October	11:30 am – 1:00 pm	Dr. Lalitha Gowda
FSS (Prohibition and Restriction of Sales) and Contaminant, Toxins, and Residues	Thursday, 3rd October	3:30 pm – 5:00 pm	Dr. Lalitha Gowda
FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, etc.) Regulations, 2022	Friday, 4th October	11:30 am – 1:00 pm	Dr. Lalitha Gowda
Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020	Monday, 7th October	11:30 am – 1:00 pm	Dr. Lalitha Gowda
FSSAI Sample Analysis, Laboratory Regulations	Tuesday, 8th October	3:30 pm – 5:00 pm	Dr. Lalitha Gowda
Alcoholic Beverages, Organic Foods, Vegan Foods, and Fortification Regulations	Wednesday, 9th October	3:30 pm – 5:00 pm	Dr. Lalitha Gowda

For those who missed the live sessions, we’re happy to provide the recorded versions of all the webinars.

1. Food Safety and Standards Act of India (FSSA)

Date: October 1st, 2024 (11:30 am – 1:00 pm)

This webinar offers a deep dive into the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), providing an overview of its key sections and provisions. Dr. Lalitha Gowda explains the legal framework aimed at ensuring food safety in India. Participants will gain an understanding of the FSSA’s focus on consumer protection, scientific methodologies, and the role of regulatory authorities like FSSAI. The session is valuable for anyone involved in food production or compliance, as it outlines how food businesses must adhere to these standards for the safe handling and distribution of food products

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2. FSSR – Licensing, Registration, and Enforcement

Date: October 1st, 2024 (3:30 pm – 5:00 pm)

This webinar explores the licensing and registration requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR). Dr. Gowda covers the processes food businesses must follow to acquire necessary licenses, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Enforcement measures, including penalties for non-compliance and the role of food safety officers, are also discussed. This session is particularly useful for food business operators, regulatory officers, and auditors who oversee food safety and standards.

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3. FSS (Food Products and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, and FSS (Prohibition and Restriction of Sales) & FSS Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues

Date: October 3rd, 2024 (11:30 am – 1:00 pm)

This session delves into the FSS Food Products and Food Additives Regulations, offering insights into the permissible limits and usage of additives in food. Dr. Gowda also discusses the FSS Prohibition and Restriction of Sales regulations, which focus on preventing the sale of adulterated or unsafe products. Emphasis is placed on contaminants, toxins, and residue limits to safeguard consumers. This webinar is crucial for manufacturers and food safety professionals aiming to ensure compliance with additive standards and the management of contaminants.

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4. Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, and Prebiotic and Probiotic Food) Regulations, 2022

Date: October 3rd, 2024 (3:30 pm – 5:00 pm)

This webinar focuses on the regulation of Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, and Special Dietary Foods. Dr. Gowda explains the 2022 updates that govern the formulation, safety, and marketing of these products. Attendees will learn about the regulatory requirements for labeling, safety claims, and evidence-based health benefits, critical for both manufacturers and regulatory professionals working in the food supplements sector.

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5. Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020

Date: October 4th, 2024 (11:30 am – 1:00 pm)

This session addresses the Labelling and Display Regulations for packaged food, detailing the 2020 updates that enhance transparency for consumers. Dr. Gowda outlines the mandatory labeling elements, including nutritional facts, allergen declarations, and best-before dates. The webinar highlights the importance of front-of-pack labeling to indicate key nutritional content and ensure compliance with FSSAI’s regulations.

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6. Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulation, 2018s, Toxins, and Residues

Date: October 7th, 2024 (11:30 am – 1:00 pm)

In this webinar, Dr. Gowda explains the Advertising and Claims Regulations of 2018, which govern the marketing and health claims made by food companies. Attendees will learn the importance of substantiating claims with scientific evidence to avoid misleading consumers. This session is crucial for businesses involved in product labeling and advertising, ensuring that they meet the legal requirements for health and nutrition claims..

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7. FSSAI Sample Analysis, Laboratory Regulations

Date: October 8th, 2024 (3:30 pm – 5:00 pm)

This webinar explores the technical requirements for FSSAI Sample Analysis in laboratories. Dr. Gowda covers the methods and best practices for testing food samples, ensuring accuracy and reliability in lab results. The session also provides insights into the accreditation process for laboratories, including compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards. This is essential for lab technicians and quality control professionals working in the food industry.

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8. Alcoholic Beverages, Organic Foods, Vegan Foods, and Fortification Regulations

Date: October 9th, 2024 (3:30 pm – 5:00 pm)

In this session, Dr. Gowda addresses the regulation of Alcoholic Beverages, Organic Foods, Vegan Foods, and Fortification. The webinar discusses the specific guidelines for labeling and quality standards in these niche food categories. The importance of fortification in combating nutrient deficiencies, especially in staple foods, is also highlighted. This session is crucial for businesses involved in producing or marketing these specialized products.

 

By attending or watching these webinars, you can gain valuable knowledge and prepare thoroughly for the upcoming 10th Food Analyst Examination. Be sure to catch all the sessions at your convenience and boost your readiness for the examination.