FDA to register all food vendors before Feb 4

BHOPAL: It is a move that would impact some seven lakh food business operators (FBO) in Madhya Pradesh. From Puri Bhandars to plush restaurants, school canteens and even small time street vendors, Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is gearing up to register them all - ahead of February 4, 2014 deadline.

After nearly two years of delay, all FBOs will have to obtain registration from the Government-run central food authority Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The deadline for obtaining the licenses is February 4, after which FSSAI will have the authority to randomly check any eatery and if it is found without the license, FSSAI can penalise the restaurant or even have the outlet shut down.

The move stirred a hornet's nest for the restaurant industry in 2012 and led to a hotels and restaurants down shutters to protest new FSSAI act. Two years on traders are in no mood to repeat protests, feels Bhopal Hotel and Restaurant association president, Tejkul Singh Pali. "Nearly 80% of established FBOs adhere to new norms. There are some issues of infrastructure which need to be sorted in association with civic bodies," he said.

To avoid further protests, state FDA says it has formulated a plan to convince FBOs. Beginning December 13, FDA would hold camps to register and educate FBOs, the first such camp will be held in Bairagarh in the state capital, says FDA commissioner, D D Agarwal. To make documentation user-friendly, FDA has tied up with MPOnline portal or through FSSAI website, he added.

In a bid to reduce opposition, the state government has been permitted to relax rules on packaging. For instance, sale of open edible oil, not allowed under FSSAI has been permitted until May 2014 and is subject to further extension.

Registration of FBOs likely to touch 7 lakh in Madhya Pradesh

FBO business with a turnover of Rs 12 Lakh (estimated 20% of all FBOs) require a license

For every restaurant in every city, a separate license will need to be issued.

In addition, there would a central license required to be obtained from the head office of that particular food business firm.

Penalties for not registering FBO up to Rs 2 Lakh

Operating a business without a licence could lead to six months imprisonment and fine of Rs 5 lakh