Latest news with #FoodSafetyComplianceSystem
Mint
6 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.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
FSSAI warns e-commerce platforms over food safety lapses
AI-generated representative image MUMBAI: Food regulator FSSAI warned e-commerce platforms of "severe action" if they fail to comply with food safety protocols. In a meeting on Tuesday with companies, CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao directed platforms to share data pertaining to their warehouses, food handlers, and other relevant information with the authority to ensure transparency and compliance. They were also asked to "prominently display" their FSSAI licence number on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo provided to consumers. "The focus of the meeting was to strengthen food safety and hygiene practices throughout the entire e-commerce food supply chain. A key emphasis was also placed on the necessity for e-commerce entities to disclose comprehensive details of all warehouses and storage facilities linked to their operations on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal," FSSAI said in a statement. The possibility of displaying the date of expiry/use by for food products at the consumer interface was also discussed. The development comes at a time when quick commerce platforms have come under scrutiny over food safety violations. Last month, the Maharashtra Food & Drug Administration (FDA) department suspended food business licenses of Zepto's Dharavi dark store and another managed by Blinkit in Pune's Balewadi area over food safety lapses and regulatory non-compliance. The licences were reinstated following inspection by authorities and adherence to compliance by the platforms. Several brands have started tightening their terms of contract with platforms and are renegotiating clauses related to storage, handling, and hygiene with them following the instances, TOI had reported. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
FSSAI warns e-comm players against non-compliance with food safety norms
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Tuesday warned e-commerce platforms of severe action if they fail to comply with food safety protocols, according to a report by Press Trust of India (PTI). The warning was given at a meeting chaired by FSSAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) G Kamala Vardhana Rao, with more than 70 representatives of leading e-commerce platforms. The focus of the meeting was to strengthen food safety and hygiene practices throughout the e-commerce food supply chain. Strict action According to a statement, FSSAI's CEO told representatives of leading e-commerce platforms that 'any non-compliance with food safety protocols will be viewed with utmost seriousness, potentially leading to severe action'. Licence numbers on every receipt Rao directed 'all e-commerce entities to prominently display their FSSAI licence/registration numbers on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo provided to consumers'. The regulator asked them to display information regarding the Food Safety Connect app on all consumer-facing documents. E-commerce entities were told to disclose details of all warehouses and storage facilities linked to their operations on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. The possibility of displaying the 'Date of Expiry/Use By' for food products at the consumer interface was also discussed. Training in hygiene All food handlers involved in the process, including e-commerce personnel, must undergo compulsory FSSAI FoSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) training in hygiene protocols. Platforms are required to share their training plans and timelines with the FSSAI. The regulator asked platforms to follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and rules stipulated under the FSS Act. All warehouses associated with e-commerce operations should be registered or licensed by the FSSAI. E-commerce platforms were directed to share data pertaining to their warehouses, food handlers, and other relevant information with the FSSAI. Raids on dark stores Earlier in June, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted raids on the dark stores of quick-commerce player Zepto in Mumbai's Dharavi and suspended its licence, citing 'serious food safety violations'. Similarly, a Blinkit dark store in Pune's Baner-Balewadi area was suspended for allegedly operating without a valid licence.
India Today
10-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Video: Dead worm found in food served at high-end Gurugram restaurant
A luxury dining experience turned sour for an IAS officer and his wife after they allegedly discovered a dead worm in their food at a restaurant in officer had taken his wife to the high-end Celeste Restaurant for a meal when he noticed the worm on his plate soon after the food was served.A video from the restaurant went viral on social media where the dead worm was spotted on the plate of food kept on the table. advertisement Furious, the IAS officer initially lodged a complaint with the restaurant management. However, after receiving an unsatisfactory response, he escalated the matter to the food and supply soon after, conducted a swift inspection of the restaurant. Samples of paneer, cashew nuts, peanuts, and green chutney were collected and sent to a laboratory in Karnal for restaurant is now under scrutiny not only for hygiene lapses but also for missing said that the restaurant failed to produce crucial food safety documents during the inspection, including pest control records and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)/FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) training safety authorities insisted that they are taking the matter seriously and appropriate action will follow based on the test reports.(With inputs from Neeraj Vashitha) advertisement
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Closure report mandatory upon licence expiry: FSSAI
The food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated food business operators (FBO) to submit closure reports upon expiry of their licence, according to a notice issued by the national food safety regulator. The notice, titled 'Mandatory submission of Closure Report on expiry of FSSAI licence/registration', said, 'All Food Business Operators (FBOs), whose FSSAI licence/registration has been expired during FY 2024-25 are hereby directed to mandatorily submit a closure report.' In the detailed closure report, FBOs need to confirm that no business activity is conducted at the premises and that they must provide reasons for non-renewal of their licence. The notice, issued on May 16, also directed FBOs to apply for renewal of licence or registration well before the expiration date. 'This report must confirm that no business activity is being conducted at the respective premises on the expired FSSAI licence/ registration number or else, food business shall confirm whether new licence / registration has been obtained. FBOs are also required to further provide specific reasons for non-renewal of the FSSAI licence,' the notice read. Also Read: Economic Survey 2025 calls for 'health tax' on ultra-processed foods The reasons for closure of business or non-renewal of licence should be submitted in FSSAI's Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, the food regulator said. If an FBO continues to operate after the licence's expiry, a hefty fine will be levied. 'It shall be noted that operating a food business on expired FSSAI licence/ registration shall be treated as violation of section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and may attract a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh under section 63,' the notice said FSSAI said this step has been taken for maintaining transparency and traceability in the overall licensing framework created for food businesses operating in the country. 'FSSAI has mandated the submission of a closure report upon the expiry of licence/registration. This is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in the licensing framework,' the food regulator said in a statement issued on Thursday. The food regulator has taken the measure amid reports of food business operating on expired licences. A senior official aware of the matter, requesting anonymity, said, 'There were reports of food businesses continuing to function even on expired licence till they applied or got their renewed licence. That is not acceptable and needed to stop. This move is an attempt to ensure there is absolute transparency in their functioning.'
