What is Ayurveda Aahara?
- Ayurveda Aahara refers to food items formulated based on principles of Ayurvedic nutrition, emphasizing balance (doshas), seasonality (ritucharya), and natural ingredients.
- These foods are meant to support preventive health, long-term wellness, and sustainable living by integrating traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern dietary preferences.
Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage)
Who released the list and why?
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, released the categorized list.
- Objective: To mainstream Ayurveda-based dietary practices and give clarity to food businesses and consumers under the legal framework of the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022.
Legal and Regulatory Context
- Ayurveda Aahara is governed under the FSSAI’s 2022 regulations, which legally recognize foods described in authoritative Ayurvedic texts.
- The new list is issued under Note (1) of Schedule B and draws from classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A of the regulations.
- This brings legal backing and standardized labeling for Ayurveda-based food products.
Key Features of the New List
- Identifies Category A products (standardized Ayurveda Aahara) that follow prescribed recipes, ingredients, and processes.
- Examples likely include items such as churnas, lehya, medicated ghee, herbal decoctions (kwath), etc., but tailored for food use, not drugs.
- Businesses (FBOs) can apply to add new items, provided they submit references from Schedule A texts.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Consumers:
- Boosts trust by ensuring scientific and regulatory validation of traditional recipes.
- Promotes informed consumption of health-supportive, herb-based foods aligned with Ayurveda.
For Food Businesses:
- Provides legal clarity and market expansion opportunities in the health/nutrition segment.
- Enables standardized production, labeling, and advertising within FSSAI guidelines.
For Government:
- Aligns India’s traditional knowledge with modern food safety laws and WHO recommendations on integrative medicine.
Socio-Health Relevance
- Rising demand for preventive health, immunity-boosting foods, and sustainable eating post-COVID has expanded Ayurveda’s appeal.
- Ayurveda Aahara is projected to complement India’s nutraceutical and wellness industry, which is expected to reach $100 billion by 2025 (as per Ayush Ministry projections).
Way Forward
- FSSAI will continue to expand the approved list based on stakeholder inputs and evidence from Ayurvedic texts.
- Supports India’s larger goals of soft-power diplomacy, global wellness leadership, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the AYUSH sector.
