Bureau of Indian Standards Opens Public Consultation on Draft Revision for Lactic Acid Food Grade Specifications IS 9971 – First Revision
On February 6, 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released for public consultation a draft of the revised specifications for Lactic Acid Standard, Food Grade (First Revision of IS 9971). The draft, which aims to enhance the safety and quality standards of food-grade lactic acid, is open for stakeholder feedback until February 22, 2025.
Key Changes in the Draft:
- Updated Marking Requirements: The new draft incorporates changes to packaging and labeling standards to ensure better consumer information and compliance with legal regulations.
- Removal of Heavy Metals Requirement: The previous standard’s requirement for testing heavy metals has been removed, as the limits for lead are now addressed under a separate standard for food colors.
Lactic acid, a critical food additive, is commonly used in products ranging from beverages, dairy, meat, and egg-based products to pickles and fruit-based products. It is approved under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
Specifications Overview:
- Chemical Name: Lactic Acid (2-hydroxy propionic acid)
- Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
- CAS Number: 50-21-5
- Physical Characteristics: The substance is described as a yellowish to colorless syrupy liquid with an acidic taste and no odor.
Compliance and Testing:
Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products conform to detailed purity and identification tests, including tests for sulfated ash, chlorides, volatile fatty acids, cyanide, methanol, and more.
Additionally, the final value of test results must comply with the prescribed rounding rules to align with the official standards.
Storage and Packaging:
Lactic acid should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation. Containers used for packaging must minimize air exposure to ensure the quality of the product and prevent contamination by metals or other impurities.
Certification:
Manufacturers of lactic acid products that meet these revised standards may be eligible to apply for BIS certification, allowing them to mark their products with the BIS Standard Mark.
For more details, the draft specification and testing guidelines can be accessed on the official BIS portal here. All stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback by February 22, 2025.
This revision underscores BIS’s commitment to enhancing food safety by ensuring that food-grade lactic acid adheres to the highest standards, thereby protecting public health while supporting industry compliance with international best practice.
We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
