The Food Safety Department has decided to make the licence of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandatory for even small food processing and distribution units across the district. Micro, small and medium enterprises run by small neighbourhood groups and catering units too will also have to comply with the licensing rules to avoid penalising actions.
Arrangements are in place to facilitate the registration through Akshaya centres and special camps at the office of the Food Safety Department.
Special drive
A special drive for the purpose will begin in the district from December 4. Hotels, restaurants and other food-based industries too will have to renew expired licences. Officials say the licence has been made mandatory for all business units in the wake of rising number of food poisoning and adulteration cases.
Under the new rule, even small groups of food suppliers who attend local celebrations and events too will have to secure the FSSAI licence for lawful functioning.
As many of such units are still unaware of the requirements, they will be given opportunity till December 10 to clear their doubts and complete the registration and licensing formalities.
Officials say even after the special drive for registrations, there will be facility for food-based industries and suppliers to complete the formalities though Akshaya centres.
Applicants can complete the registration formalities by presenting their identity documents and other licence details issued by the local self-government bodies concerned.
