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FSSAI has stated that unless high-risk products like milk and meat are involved, routine inspections can be put on hold
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mentioned that they have taken instantaneous steps to ensure the uninterrupted food supply and the continuity of food business operations during the current COVID-19 situation.
Along with this, FSSAI has written to all the states to make sure that there is no interruption within the food supply chain due to the present curfews and lockdowns situation in the country, and the compliance requirements are not a barrier for the operation of any food business, said the regulator body.
FSSAI has constantly emphasized that import clearances of food items and testing services by FSSAI’s laboratories (public and private) are ‘essential services’.
For the rapid expansion of logistic supply chains, catering, warehouses, retail outlets and food service establishments, the food regulator has also laid out directions permitting Food Business Operators other than manufacturers to temporarily manage their businesses based on a valid receipt of FSSAI license/ registration application.
New businesses can also set up their operations after they have successfully filed an application on FoSCoS. This relief measure is for the time being only; the registration/license will need to be secured before the expiry of relaxation. Manufacturers can increase their capacity based on a legitimate receipt of FSSAI licence/registration.
FSSAI has stated that unless high-risk products like milk and meat are involved, routine inspections can be put on hold.
FSSAI also stated, “The deadline for returns for 2020-21 has been extended till June 2021. No penalty shall be payable for the overdue filing of application in support of renewal of licenses.”
Regardless of the status of lockdown, these measures are until and will cease with effect from 30 June.
Ashwin Bhadri, CEO of Equinox Labs, says “We all know that covid19 has created a level of urgency in the country and its impact on the food industry has been really unfortunate. This is a major concern as continuity in food supplies in such scenarios is all the more important. With that being said, it’s imperative to ensure food quality before consumption and FSSAI’s efforts to balance things out is what we need right now.”