Oct 22, 2016

Products seized sent for GE tests



Canteens too need licences under Food Safety Act

BENGALURU: Food courts or canteens in universities and their affiliated colleges will have to mandatorily get licences as stipulated under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. If not, the establishments will be shut down.
In an official communication to all universities and higher education institutions across the nation, the University Grants Commission (UGC) said the Act provides a framework to regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of food to ensure safety. Regulation 2.1.2 of the Food Safety and Standards stipulates that “no person shall commence any food business unless he possesses a valid licence,” it said.
The UGC said it has taken note that canteens/messes and other food establishments in various educational institutions have been operating without licences.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will also organise training for handlers working in food establishments of educational institutions to provide safe and wholesome food to students, UGC said in the communication.

UGC direct universities, affiliated colleges to provide good food to students

UGC secretary Prof. Jaspal S. Sandhu said the decision was taken in view of complaints that canteen/mess.
He said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was willing to help universities on this issue.
Hyderabad: The UGC has directed universities and affiliated colleges to provide safe and wholesome food to students. It asked the institutions to ensure implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 in canteens and food stalls located in their premises.
In a letter to vice-chancellors of all universities, UGC secretary Prof. Jaspal S. Sandhu said the decision was taken in view of complaints that canteen/mess and other food outlets were not licenced under the Food Safety and Standards Act. He said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was willing to help universities on this issue.