Nature of Contributions to FSSD

1. Reviews, technical notes, short communications, case studies, peer-reviewed articles and research papers on new processes and technological advancements in the field of food safety.
2. Notification briefs, scientific opinions, advisories, orders, and updates on rules and regulations at national, international, and regional levels, articles on surveillance, trade-related matters, and other policy developments
3. Interviews, letters, stakeholder opinions, and discussions on public health and safety concerns, food quality issues(adulteration) and import/export-related articles.
4. Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) such as GMP and GHP, accreditation, conformity assessment, hygiene ratings, quality management systems, etc.
5. Stakeholder consultations, national and international events, training programmes, workshops, symposiums, and conferences related to food safety and nutrition, along with updates on vacancies and opportunities in the field of food science and technology.
6. Engaging and visual content including comics, IEC materials, alerts, and highlights from campaigns such as the Eat Right Campaign, as well as social media features aimed at promoting awareness and public engagement.

All the contributions are subjected to review of highest order and the Editorial Board reserves the right to publish or edit suitably. FSSD follows a strict anti-plagiarism policy, hence contributors may take note of the caution, while preparing the Manuscript. Besides, FSSD is very stringent on the norms of publication ethics and falsification/fabrication-free submissions.

The contributions should be submitted as soft copy (the accepted format is Microsoft Word format (doc/docx) or similarcompatible format) through e-mail to publications-fssai@nic.in and online submission through our website www.fssai.gov.in. The submitted MS Word file should be easily accessible and open in normal windows operating systems.

The subject line should be indicated as ‘New Article for Submission’ and the cover letter to be provided in the body of the e-mail. The correspondence is to be addressed to ‘The Chief Editor’, Food Safety and Standards Digest, FSSAI Headquarters, FDA Bhawan, New Delhi.

Authors may kindly note that submission of hard copy of the article is not accepted.

Authors are solely responsible for obtaining copyright clearance from the original contributors to reproduce text/tables/figures/pictures/photos in their articles.

Authors are should read guidelines carefully and prepare the manuscript accordingly.

Manuscripts that do not strictly adhere to the formatting guidelines will be returned to the authors for necessary corrections prior to peer review. Submissions with significant technical flaws may be summarily rejected.

The details of different formats of contributions are given below:

Full Technical Reviews

Full technical reviews (FTR) intended for submission should not typically be more than 6000

words and not less than 2500 words.The abstract should be of 250 words. The contents of contributionsshould be related to current/contemporary research/innovation of high relevance to food industry and the upkeep of human wellness, and should not be a mere reporting of routine research publications. Generally, it is expected that FTRs should not have more than 8 tables/illustrations/figures, in all. The graphical abstract should be 600 dpi (5*5 square aspect ratio) using original clear diagrams, structures, pie-charts, caricatures, etc.

Policy and Governance

Regulatory officials, policy analysts, and legal expertscan contribute to this section for communicating techno legalinformation to the stakeholders in form of articles not exceeding 1000-1500 words.

Perspectives and Dialogues

Authors can submit Mini Reviews (MR) not exceeding 2000 words. Number of tables and illustrations/figures/images should not typically be more than 4. The contents of contributions should meet the same requisites as detailed in FTR.

Technical Practices

Authors can submit articles of 1000-1500 words. Number of tables and illustrations/figures/images should not typically be more than 4. The contents of contributions should meet the same requisites as detailed in FTR.

News &Events

Regulatory body officials/academicians/professionals/consumer groups can contribute into this section. In all, news and information should not be more than 1000 words. The contributions will be acknowledged appropriately when news/information is published. Typically, these should be quite recent and relevant information that would be useful to the readers as well as academicians and industries.

Creatives

This section aims to simplify complex scientific concepts, theories, or research findings, making them more accessible and engaging for a wider audience, especially those from a non-science background through humor and engagement, to make topics more interesting, and draw readers into articles. This section includes infographics, caricatures, comic strips, cartoons, posters, etc.

Discretion to relaxation word limits of any format rests with the Editor-in chief.

Organization of reviews / mini-reviews

The article should be typed on A4 size paper with double spacing in Times New Roman font of 12 pt size in normal template.

The international system of units (SI units) must be used only.

Line numbering should be provided continuously throughout the article.

The title page should be submitted as separate file (MS-word) and it should clearly mention the title of manuscript in bold, following in the next line with names of author(s) and their respective affiliations. Corresponding author name to be in bold font and marked by an asterisk (*). Also include the Email id of the corresponding author.

The first page of the main document should contain Abstract, which should not be more than 250 words and it should highlight the specific contents of the review. Below the abstract 3-5 keywords (in alphabetical order) should be provided.

The article should also have an Introduction section briefly providing the background information and the purpose of the study undertaken OR collating intellectual knowledge update. Main body of the review article to be arranged by the authors based on the presentation of the contents with clarity and ease of understanding for the readers.

The headings of main sections like Abstract, Introduction, Conclusion and References are to be numbered in Arabic numerals as 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and so on as they appear and to be in bold font and all Caps.

All text matter presented in the article must have appropriate headings and/or sub-headings.

One can use up to three levels of headings, as shown below

4. i) First level of heading in bold font & caps with numbering, for example: 0 XXXXXXXXX
5. ii) Second level of heading in bold font & running text, for example: 1 Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

iii) Third level of heading in bold font, italics & running text, for example, 4.1.1 Xxxxxxxxxxxx

The Digest strongly encourages the use of appropriate Illustrations such as photos, graphs (figures), and tables for clarity. All the photos, figures and tables should be numbered consecutively and indicate in the margin about their placement in the text.

Tables, figures, photos and related are to be submitted as INDIVIDUAL FILES and DO NOT EMBED them in the main word text file. Since, the size of the image would be adjusted during the publication process, authors should provide high resolution images (minimum 600 dpi) so that it can be effectively used during publication process. Digital images should be provided in PNG/JPEG/other compatible formats. Graphs such as those created from Excel spreadsheets are also accepted. However, the source file is to be provided for authenticity of the data and editorial changes, if required.

The Conclusion (appropriate numbered in bold font & all caps) section should include specific thought process of authors for future applications.

All the references cited in the running text are to be listed in alphabetical order under the section of References (appropriately numbered in bold font & all caps) appearing as the last section of running text manuscript.

For citing of references in the running text, kindly follow the pattern as detailed below:

For single author, it needs to be (Sharma, 2002) OR Sharma (2002) depending upon the type of phrase in running text.

For two authors, it needs to be (Rakesh and Sharma, 2012) OR Rakesh and Sharma (2012) depending upon the type of phrase in running text.

For more than two authors, it needs to be (Suresh et al. 2014) OR Suresh et al. (2014) depending upon the type of phrase in running text.

Citing of more than one reference in running text, then follow the chronological order of year of publication of the cited article. For example: (Sharma, 2002; Rakesh and Sharma, 2012; Suresh et al. 2014 and so on).

Reference Pattern

All the references cited in the running text are to be listed in alphabetical order under this section in the following pattern:

1. a) Journals

Kawai M, Uneyama H, Miyano H (2009). Taste-active components in foods, with concentration on umami compounds. Journal of Health Science, 55: 667-673.

1. b) Book

Harper JM (1981). Extrusion of foods. CRC Press, Florida, USA.

1. c) Chapter in a book

Giacometti T (1979). Free and bound glutamate in natural products. In: Filer PJ, Garattini S, Kare MR, Reynolds AW, Wurtman RJ (Eds.). Glutamic acid: Advances in Biochemistry and Physiology. Raven Press, New York, USA, pp 25-34.

1. d) Thesis

Usha RM (2012). Microbiological and Molecular Characterization of Cellulose producing Gluconacetobacter Sp. Ph D thesis, Mysore University, Mysuru.

Bhavya PK (2013). Comparative study of red wine from local table grape varieties. M Sc. thesis, Mysore University, Mysuru.

1. e) Patent

McAnalley BH. Process for preparation of Aloe. United States Patent 4957907, September 18,

1990.

1. f) Patent application

Saritha V, Anilakumar KR, Jayathilakan K, FarhathKhanum. An Aloe vera based composition

and a process for preparation thereof. Indian Patent Application 1493/DEL/2012, June 12, 2012.

1. g) Web site

APEDA. 2017. Export Statistics – Up to Latest Month: Export summary for financial year 2016-17 (April – February). http://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/indexp/monthexport.aspx www.umamiinfo.com. Accessed on 29 December 2019.

Reviewers list

Authors are required to provide a list of 3 experts along with their Address, Email and field of

Expert to review their papers. However, it is not mandatory for the editorial board to get the MS reviewed by the reviewers provided by the authors.

Graphical / Diagrammatic Abstract

Graphical abstract, which is a concise visual summary of the article in an appropriate and compatible file should also be submitted along with the manuscript for purpose of final printing. The authors are requested to attach graphical/diagrammatic abstract along with the manuscript in PNG/JPEG/other compatible formats (5×5 cm) for the purpose of printing.

Editorial policy, page charges & reviewing

• Submission of article to the Digest by the corresponding author is with an understanding all authors are aware of its submission to the Digest and that it is not being submitted elsewhere for consideration of publication in print or electronic medium. Authors are solely responsible for obtaining copyright clearance, wherever it is applicable. The Digest does not levy any page charges and all articles are printed free of cost.
• Each submission will be reviewed by peers (scientific or technical or industrial) in the respective expertise before an editorial decision is made. In case of decision where article is to be revised and submitted, authors should provide point by point reply/action taken on reviewer’s and editorial comments if any. The suggestion incorporated in the revised manuscript should be highlighted with different font colour.
• The Editorial Board has the right to take final decision in the matter of acceptance or rejection of a submission. The Editorial decision is final and no correspondence would be entertained once the final decision is made about rejection or acceptance.
• Due to space limitations and/or need for language corrections/improvement, it may be necessary to edit the submissions before they are accepted. In case of major editorial corrections, edited version of submission would be mailed to authors for incorporation of changes suggested.
• Editorial corrections are binding on the authors. These changes should be incorporated and revised submission should be sent back within 7 days after it is received by the authors.
• Authors would receive a gratis copy of their article in PDF format.
• FSSAI serves as the official publisher of the Food Safety and Standards Digest, under the management of the CEO. Final editorial authority and publication rights are reserved by FSSAI through the office of the CEO.

Author Submission Guide: Dummy Documents

The following dummy documents illustrate the formatting and organizational requirements for different article types.

1. Full Technical Review (FTR) – Dummy Submission

This example demonstrates the structure, formatting, and length requirements for a Full Technical Review.

Title Page (Separate File)

Main Document (Starting on First Page)

(Typed on A4 size paper, double spacing, Times New Roman 12 pt, continuous line numbering)

2. Other Submission Categories – Summary of Requirements

The table below summarizes the key formatting and length requirements for other article types.

3. Reference Pattern Examples

All references must be listed in alphabetical order under the REFERENCES section.

• Journal: Kawai M, Uneyama H, Miyano H (2009). Taste-active components in foods, with concentration on umami compounds. Journal of Health Science, 55: 667-673.
• Book: Harper JM (1981). Extrusion of foods. CRC Press, Florida, USA.
• Chapter in a book: Giacometti T (1979). Free and bound glutamate in natural products. In: Filer PJ, Garattini S, Kare MR, Reynolds AW, Wurtman RJ (Eds.). Glutamic acid: Advances in Biochemistry and Physiology. Raven Press, New York, USA, pp 25-34.
• Thesis: Usha RM (2012). Microbiological and Molecular Characterization of Cellulose producing Gluconacetobacter Sp. Ph D thesis, Mysore University, Mysuru.
• Web site:APEDA (2017). Export Statistics. Available at: http://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/indexp/monthexport.aspx [Accessed on 29 December 2019].
• Umami Information Center. Available at: www.umamiinfo.com [Accessed on 29 December 2019].

Sample Review Article for a Full Technical Review (for reference)

(Title Page in a separate file)

COLD PLASMA TECHNOLOGY: A NOVEL FRONTIER IN NON-THERMAL FOOD PROCESSING

John D. Smith ^a, Priya K. Sharma^b,* and Alex T. Jones ^a

^a Department of Food Science, University of Global Food Research, City, Country.

^bDepartment of Nutrition, Institute of Wellness Studies, City, Country.

1.0 ABSTRACT

Consumer demand for “fresh-like” food products with minimal chemical additives has driven the development of non-thermal processing technologies. Cold Plasma (CP) has emerged as a promising tool for microbial decontamination and enzyme inactivation without compromising the nutritional or sensory quality of food. This review explores the mechanisms of CP, its applications across various food matrices, and the current challenges in industrial scaling.(250 words).

Keywords: Cold plasma, enzyme inactivation, food, microbial decontamination, non-thermal processing (3-5)

2.0INTRODUCTION

Traditional thermal processing, while effective at ensuring food safety, often leads to the degradation of heat-sensitive vitamins, bioactive compounds, and organoleptic properties. Cold Plasma, an ionized gas comprising ions, electrons, and reactive species, offers a “cold” alternative. It operates typically at room temperature, making it ideal for treating fresh produce, meats, and dairy.

3.0 Mechanisms of Microbial Inactivation

The antimicrobial efficacy of cold plasma is attributed to several synergistic factors:

• Reactive Species: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) cause oxidative stress and damage to microbial cell membranes.
• UV Radiation: Induces DNA damage in pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.
• Electroporation: High-energy electrons create pores in the cell wall, leading to cell leakage and death.

4.0 Applications in Food Technology

4.1 Fresh Produce

CP is highly effective at reducing the microbial load on leafy greens and fruits. Studies show a reduction of $2.5$ to $5$ log units in common foodborne pathogens without altering the texture of the fruit.

4.2 Food Packaging

Beyond direct food application, “In-Package Plasma” (IPP) allows for the treatment of food after it has been sealed, eliminating the risk of post-process recontamination.

(Insert Table 1 here)

5.0 Current Limitations and Future Perspectives

Despite its potential, several hurdles remain:

1. Lipid Oxidation: High concentrations of ROS can trigger the oxidation of fats in high-lipid foods (e.g., fish or butter), leading to off-flavors.
2. Regulatory Approval: Standardized protocols for safety assessments are still being established by bodies like the FDA and EFSA.
3. Cost of Scaling: While energy-efficient, the initial equipment cost for large-scale continuous processing is high.

6.0 Conclusion

Cold plasma technology represents a paradigm shift in food preservation. Its ability to achieve high microbial lethality while preserving the “freshness” of the product positions it as a key technology for the future of sustainable food systems.

7.0 References

All references must be listed in alphabetical order under the REFERENCES section.

• Journal: Kawai M, Uneyama H, Miyano H (2009). Taste-active components in foods, with concentration on umami compounds. Journal of Health Science, 55: 667-673.
• Book: Harper JM (1981). Extrusion of foods. CRC Press, Florida, USA.
• Chapter in a book: Giacometti T (1979). Free and bound glutamate in natural products. In: Filer PJ, Garattini S, Kare MR, Reynolds AW, Wurtman RJ (Eds.). Glutamic acid: Advances in Biochemistry and Physiology. Raven Press, New York, USA, pp 25-34.
• Thesis:Usha RM (2012). Microbiological and Molecular Characterization of Cellulose producing Gluconacetobacter Sp. Ph D thesis, Mysore University, Mysuru.
• Web site:APEDA (2017). Export Statistics. Available at: http://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/indexp/monthexport.aspx [Accessed on 29 December 2019].
• Umami Information Center. Available at: www.umamiinfo.com [Accessed on 29 December 2019].

Table 1 (not embedded in the main document- submitted in separate file)

Graphical Extract (in separate file)