: A licence mela organised by the All India Chamber of Commerce and Industries in association with the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration Department drew a good response from traders here on Monday.
A total of 680 traders registered themselves as authorised sellers as per guidelines of Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA).
It was carried out in liaison with bankers and treasury officials.
Collector Ashish Kumar, chief guest, said Tuticorin district had made an exemplary move by registering the trade bodies under FSSA to ensure safe and hygienic food supply.
“Human resources are important for economic growth and therefore they need to maintain good health by consuming hygienic food,” the Collector stressed. Food business operators should be more aware of hygienic preparation and catering, he indicated.
Of the total 3,963 government enterprises in the district, 2, 511 registered.
As for private food business operators, 9,869 operators had registered so far.
The mela would be extended by two days, if needed. A licence mela would also be organised at Kovilpatti next week, the Collector added.
District Designated Officer, Food Safety Standards Act, M. Jegadis Chandrabose, said an operator with an annual turnover of Rs.12 lakh and below should register after remitting Rs.100.
Those with an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh should obtain licences at a cost of Rs.2,000.