Chapter IV - General Provisions as to Articles of Food
Section 19
Section 19: Use of food additive or processing aid
Food additives and processing aids are permitted only in accordance with the Act and its regulations.
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This article is for general information. Refer to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
No article of food shall contain any food additive or processing aid unless it is in accordance with the provisions of this Act and regulations made thereunder. Explanation.–For the purposes of this section, “processing aid” means any substance or material, not including apparatus or utensils, and not consumed as a food ingredient by itself, used in the processing of raw materials, foods or its ingredients to fulfil a certain technological purpose during treatment or processing and which may result in the non-intentional but unavoidable presence of residues or derivatives in the final product.
Key takeaways
Core rule
Food additives and processing aids are permitted only in accordance with the Act and its regulations.
Practical check
Check the substance, food category, purpose and applicable regulatory condition before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.
Scope and operation
A processing aid serves a technological purpose during processing and may leave an unavoidable residue; it is not consumed as a food ingredient by itself.
Applying the section
Check the substance, food category, purpose and applicable regulatory condition before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.
Official sources
Read the consolidated Act with the enacted and commenced amendments applicable to this section.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026