Kochi, June 21:
The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a seminar on Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and its impact on food industry here.
Inaugurating the seminar, Dr G.S. Rajorhia, principal consultant of Indian Registrar of Quality Systems, New Delhi, said that lack of awareness about various provisions of the Act is a major hurdle faced by the constituents in the food supply chain.
He pointed out that understanding the Act has become inevitable for the consumers as well as for the food business operators (FBO). It is imperative that they register or get licence for their trade under the Act before August 4.
All FBO’s from transporters to sellers will need to comply with the rules under the Act by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a single reference point for all matters relating to Food Safety and Standards, Regulations and Enforcement.
Under the FSS Act, it is mandatory for all FBOs including big hoteliers, small canteens, road side hawkers, wholesalers, retailers, stockists and food item sellers including grocers to obtain licenses, he said.
With the implementation of the Act, he said, the quality of the food items is expected to be enhanced and accountability will be set to the FBOs. Under the new provisions of the Act, an application for registration or for license will have to be acted upon within two months, pointing out deficiencies if any.
Mr Prakash James, president of the Chamber, said that a help centre would be opened soon at the Chamber office for the benefit of the trade.
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