It is common to find vendors selling edible items outside the puja pandals but the main question arises are these food items checked according to the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) norms.
The food safety officers were unable to conduct the inspection this year during the Durga puja. However, the letter for conducting inspection was issued by the Health Department before the Durga puja started.
Citing details about the (FSSAI) guideline, Director Health Services Dr Pravin Chandra said, “The registrations of the street food vendors are mandatory. In exercise of the powers conferred under section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI has proposed Draft of Food Safety and Standards Regulation, 2010 under which Part 3.2 makes it mandatory for all Food Business Operators in the country to be registered or licensed in accordance with the procedures laid down in the regulation.”
“We have also issued a circular for all Food Safety Officers to conduct an inspection drive in there respective areas. Those vendors who come from other places have to get temporary registration from the local authorities. It is mandatory for vendors to have ID proofs with them,” Chandra further added.
However, the Food Safety Officer Gulab Lakra informed, “Last year the inspection was conducted but this year we just collected samples from the sweet shops owners, betel shops owners. We were unable to inspect the vendors this year. However, the officials will form teams for the upcoming Diwali festival.”
Stating about the circular Lakra said, “We received the letter from the concerned department after the Durga puja. Now I am waiting for the instructions from the authorities to conduct a meeting and form teams, so that the inspection can be conducted on the regular basis even for the vendors.”
Moreover, when contacted the other two Food Safety Officials on the matter, the officials were unavailable for the comment.
As many as 125 puja pandals are constructed for the auspicious occasion of Durga puja in the city and maximum numbers of vendors come from the adjoining areas too to earn money during the peak season.
The Registration of the food vendors has started since April 2014 in various cities across India.
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