No database available on the number of FBOs in Punjab: CAG

There is no database available with Punjab's Health department with regard to the number of food business operators (FBOs) in the state, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). 

In its latest report on social, general and economic sectors, the government auditor found that in the absence of the database, the possibility of FBOs running the business without licenses or registration could not be ruled out. 

The audit of Commissioner's records showed that neither was any survey conducted nor was any database with regard to total number of FBOs in the state available with him, it said. 

While assessing the effectiveness of the implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 in Punjab, CAG noted that no person shall commence or carry on any food business except under a license under the Act. 

The Act provides that the Commissioner of Food Safety shall carry out survey of industrial units engaged in manufacture or processing of food in the state to find out compliance by such units to the standards notified by Food Authority for various food items. 

Though 10,861 licenses and 85,066 registrations were reported to have been granted up to January 2014, but in the absence of the said database, the possibility of FBOs running food business without licenses or registrations could not be ruled out, it said. 

In its reply, the Health and Family Welfare department said all designated officers in the state were being directed to conduct such survey in the field. 

The auditor also found that department was not maintaining any data in respect of samples collected and analysed in the state of Punjab. 

Monthly targets for collection of samples were not achieved and analysis of adulterated samples from referral laboratory was delayed, as per the report. 

The prosecution against offenders of adulterated samples could not be launched due to non-obtaining of the sanction of Commissioner, it said. 

CAG further found that the Food and Drug Authority could not be set up in the state for want of release of funds during 2012-14 despite the state government's decision to make a budget provision of Rs 5 crore each year for it. 

However, required funds were not released by the Finance Department as a result of which the budgeted provision of Rs 5 crore for 2012-13 and 2013-14 lapsed, the report noted.