Gives 3 weeks for FSSAI compliance, warns of legal action
Panaji: The Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has given caterers and party hall operators three weeks to obtain the mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence or registration, warning that those operating without it could face legal action.
Operators can apply through the FSSAI’s Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in or approach the FDA office and help desk for assistance.
The drive covers caterers preparing, storing, serving or transporting food for groups ranging from 10 to 25 persons to large events for ceremonies, celebrations, rituals and institutional functions. Any person, group or entity preparing and serving food or snacks at events and private parties is considered a caterer and must comply with food
safety regulations.
Caterers must comply with the basic hygiene requirements under Schedule 4 of the FSSA, 2006, and ensure every food handler has a valid sanitary card.
The advisory also covers party halls hired for public and private functions, including those attached to religious premises, where food is prepared
or served. Operators and management committees must prominently display the FSSAI licence or registration certificate and provide prescribed facilities, including a permanent, properly equipped kitchen or pantry, potable water and waste disposal arrangements.
The FDA warned that caterers and party halls operating without the mandatory licence or registration could face action under Section 63 of the FSSA, which carries a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh, apart from other legal consequences.
Home bakers, snack vendors must obtain FSSAI registration, says food watchdog
Panaji: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has directed food business operators (FBOs) selling bakery items and snacks through tables, stalls or car boots to obtain the required permissions and registrations before commencing vending activities.
Vendors must obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from the local body concerned, such as the village panchayat, municipal council or Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP). They must also obtain a valid FSSAI registration certificate for their kitchen or place of food preparation and comply with prescribed hygiene and food safety norms at both the preparation and
vending sites.
The FDA has clarified that individuals preparing cakes, pastries and other food items at home for sale or on order must also obtain FSSAI registration.
Vendors operating without the required permissions and registrations have been directed to immediately stop vending activities. They have also been told to stop promoting such businesses through social media until they comply with the mandatory requirements.
Failure to comply may result in legal action under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FDA warned.
Vendors requiring assistance can approach the department’s help desk with the stipulated documents for guidance on obtaining the necessary permissions and registrations.
