Latest news with #FBOs
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
FSSAI cracks down: Annual returns under scrutiny, FBOs warned of penalties
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its scrutiny of annual returns filed by food business operators (FBOs), issuing a stern warning of penalties for non-compliance and inaccurate data. In an order dated 6 July, seen by Mint, the food regulator highlighted the critical importance of accurate and complete information in these mandatory submissions. This move comes after an observation that many returns contained discrepancies, inconsistencies or false declarations. The directive, issued by Dr Satyen Kumar Panda, Executive Director (Compliance Strategy), emphasized that all licensing authorities are now required to strictly scrutinize annual returns submitted by eligible FBOs within their respective jurisdictions. This move aims to ensure accurate data for effective regulations, strengthen compliance accountability, address discrepancies and false declarations and leverage online system. The FSSAI had previously mandated online filing of annual returns for FY 2020-21 onwards exclusively through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) via an order issued on 18 December 2020. FoSCoS is the online platform developed by FSSAI for all aspects of food business licensing, registration, and compliance. It replaced the older Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). According to the FSSAI, while the submission rate has significantly improved, the recent order underscores a shift towards rigorous verification of the data provided. A crucial amendment in the current order, effective 8 January 2024, introduces a provision in FoSCoS for FBOs to revise or update already submitted annual returns to rectify inadvertent mistakes. The FSSAI stressed that "submission of accurate and complete information in the Annual Return is mandatory." The order further clarifies that "furnishing false or misleading information shall attract penalty under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006." This reminder aims to encourage timely correction of errors and deter deliberate misrepresentation, which will lead to penal action. The FSSAI has also advised FBOs to avail themselves of the revision/update facility at the earliest to ensure compliance. This move signals the authority's commitment to ensuring the integrity of food safety data and holding FBOs accountable for their submissions.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Food businesses asked by FSSAI not to file false, misleading annual returns
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): Food safety regulator FSSAI has asked all Food Business Operators to ensure absolute accuracy in all their annual return submissions, reiterating that providing false or misleading information will attract severe penalties. Compliance with requirements is paramount for safe food ecosystem, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said in a post on X. Earlier this month, the FSSAI wrote to the food safety units of all the states and sensitised about the must-be-followed compliances. FSSAI had in December 2020 mandated the filing of Annual Returns for 2020-21 onwards exclusively through the online FoSCoS platform. Since then, the submission rate has significantly improved, FSSAI said in its communication the states and UTs. These annual returns capture key information, including mandatory production details and currently non-mandatory compliance-related data. To verify the credibility of the information, all Licensing Authorities must scrutinize the Annual Returns submitted by eligible FBOs under their respective jurisdictions. Further, in case of detection of any discrepancies, inconsistencies, or false declarations upon scrutiny, necessary actions shall be initiated as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable regulations. Further, FSSAI had in January 2024 introduced the provision in FoSCoS for FBOs to revise/update the already submitted Annual Returns to rectify inadvertent mistakes. 'All FBOs eligible for filing Annual Return are hereby reminded that submission of accurate and complete information in the Annual Return is mandatory. In cases where any correction or update is required, FBOs are advised to avail the revision/update facility at the earliest as per the timelines and fee structure prescribed in the said order,' reads the FSSAI communication to the states dated July 7. 'It is further reiterated that furnishing false or misleading information shall attract penalty under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006; therefore, timely correction of errors is essential to avoid penal action,' the July 7 order further reads. (ANI)
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Food businesses asked by FSSAI not to file false, misleading annual returns
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): Food safety regulator FSSAI has asked all Food Business Operators to ensure absolute accuracy in all their annual return submissions, reiterating that providing false or misleading information will attract severe penalties. Compliance with requirements is paramount for safe food ecosystem, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said in a post on X. Earlier this month, the FSSAI wrote to the food safety units of all the states and sensitised about the must-be-followed compliances. FSSAI had in December 2020 mandated the filing of Annual Returns for 2020-21 onwards exclusively through the online FoSCoS platform. Since then, the submission rate has significantly improved, FSSAI said in its communication the states and UTs. These annual returns capture key information, including mandatory production details and currently non-mandatory compliance-related data. To verify the credibility of the information, all Licensing Authorities must scrutinize the Annual Returns submitted by eligible FBOs under their respective jurisdictions. Further, in case of detection of any discrepancies, inconsistencies, or false declarations upon scrutiny, necessary actions shall be initiated as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable regulations. Further, FSSAI had in January 2024 introduced the provision in FoSCoS for FBOs to revise/update the already submitted Annual Returns to rectify inadvertent mistakes. "All FBOs eligible for filing Annual Return are hereby reminded that submission of accurate and complete information in the Annual Return is mandatory. In cases where any correction or update is required, FBOs are advised to avail the revision/update facility at the earliest as per the timelines and fee structure prescribed in the said order," reads the FSSAI communication to the states dated July 7. "It is further reiterated that furnishing false or misleading information shall attract penalty under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006; therefore, timely correction of errors is essential to avoid penal action," the July 7 order further reads. (ANI)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
FSSAI asks food businesses not to file false, misleading annual returns
FSSAI emphasizes accuracy in annual returns. Food Business Operators must provide correct information. False data leads to penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI has provided a facility to revise submitted data. FBOs should use this to correct errors. Timely corrections are essential to avoid penalties. The regulator is serious about compliance for a safe food ecosystem. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Food safety regulator FSSAI has asked all Food Business Operators to ensure absolute accuracy in all their annual return submissions, reiterating that providing false or misleading information will attract severe with requirements is paramount for safe food ecosystem, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said in a post on this month, the FSSAI wrote to the food safety units of all the states and sensitised about the must-be-followed had in December 2020 mandated the filing of Annual Returns for 2020-21 onwards exclusively through the online FoSCoS platform Since then, the submission rate has significantly improved, FSSAI said in its communication the states and annual returns capture key information, including mandatory production details and currently non-mandatory compliance-related verify the credibility of the information, all Licensing Authorities must scrutinize the Annual Returns submitted by eligible FBOs under their respective in case of detection of any discrepancies, inconsistencies, or false declarations upon scrutiny, necessary actions shall be initiated as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable FSSAI had in January 2024 introduced the provision in FoSCoS for FBOs to revise/update the already submitted Annual Returns to rectify inadvertent mistakes."All FBOs eligible for filing Annual Return are hereby reminded that submission of accurate and complete information in the Annual Return is mandatory. In cases where any correction or update is required, FBOs are advised to avail the revision/update facility at the earliest as per the timelines and fee structure prescribed in the said order," reads the FSSAI communication to the states dated July 7."It is further reiterated that furnishing false or misleading information shall attract penalty under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006; therefore, timely correction of errors is essential to avoid penal action," the July 7 order further reads.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
FSSAI asks States to curb use of illegal ripening agents, synthetic coatings on fruits
Food regulator FSSAI has asked all states to check illegal use of ripening agents and synthetic coatings for fruits as part of its efforts ensue safe food for people. "The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged all States and Union Territories to intensify inspections and carry out special enforcement drives to curb the illegal use of non-permitted fruit ripening agents , as well as colouring and coating of fruits with synthetic colours or non-permitted wax," the regulator said in a statement on Tuesday. The Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs and Regional Directors of FSSAI have been requested to maintain strict vigilance over fruit markets and mandis, to curb illegal use of fruit ripening using agents like calcium carbide , commonly known as 'masala'. As part of the enforcement drive, FSSAI has suggested that inspection of godowns and storage facilities, particularly those suspected of using substances like calcium carbide for ripening, may be carried out. "The presence of calcium carbide on the premises or stored alongside crates of fruits will be treated as circumstantial evidence against the Food Business Operator (FBO), potentially leading to prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006," it said. Calcium carbide is strictly prohibited for the artificial ripening of fruits under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. Live Events "The use of this substance poses serious health risks and is known to cause mouth ulcers, gastric irritation and has carcinogenic properties," the regulator pointed out. Further, FSSAI has also identified cases where FBOs are using ethephon solution to artificially ripen bananas and other fruits by dipping them directly into the chemical. In this context, the Authority has issued a comprehensive guidance document titled "Artificial Ripening of Fruits - Ethylene Gas: A Safe Fruit Ripener". The document clearly states that ethephon could be used only as a source for generating ethylene gas and strictly in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This SOP details all critical aspects of artificial ripening using ethylene gas, including restrictions, chamber requirements, handling conditions, sources of ethylene gas, application protocols, post-treatment operations, and safety guidelines. "FSSAI urges all Food Business Operators to adhere to these SOPs to ensure safe and compliant ripening practices," it said. The regulator warned that any violation of these norms will attract strict penal action.
