All alcohol outlets now under food safety ambit

The excise department has directed all businesses engaged in the manufacture and sale of alcohol to obtain Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) licences from the designated state licensing authority immediately.

In a circular issued last week, excise commissioner Amit Satija stated that it was mandatory for all manufacturers, importers, marketers, suppliers and retailers to obtain FSSAI licences under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006/ Rules and Regulations 2011. Under these guidelines, alcoholic drinks are classified as food, too.

An official in the excise department said while only bars and restaurants have been obtaining a licence from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) so far, all kinds of alcohol licences have now been brought under the ambit of the FSSAI. Around 11,000 liquor licences have been issued in Goa.