'Food safety rules to be implemented by Feb 2014'

GUWAHATI: The state health and family welfare department has urged all food business operators in the state to implement the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS), 2006, before February 4, 2014. Accordingly, all operators will have to acquire food licenses and register before the deadline.

The measure will help the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an agency of the Union ministry of health and family welfare, protect and promote public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

"It will be helpful for us to trace vendors for any follow-up action and address the needs of consumers. It will also help maintain a record of vendors. Introduction of good manufacturing practices and good hygienic practices is another aspect of this act," said Samiran Baruah, food safety officer.

According to Section 63 of the FSS Act, any person found running a food business without a valid license will be imprisoned for six months with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. The commissioner of food safety, Assam, instructed all the designated officers in the five regions of the state to organize licensing melas.