PUNE: About 40% of food business operators in Pune district run their establishments without seeking the mandatory registration from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This was revealed in the third review meeting of the district-level advisory committee on March 3.
"Despite investing efforts to bring all food business operators on FDA's surveillance radar by registering them or allotting licences, there are a considerable number of food businesses yet to seek registration or licence from us. About 40% food business operators in Pune district have still not sought registration and 10% have not obtained the licence which is unlawful and can attract stringent action," said Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (food), FDA, Pune
The committee takes a review of licences and registration granted to food business operators like big hoteliers, small canteens, roadside vendors, wholesellers, retailers, stockists and food item sellers including grocers. All these outlets essentially need a licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
Food operators with an annual turnover of above Rs 12 lakh must have a licence and those who earn less than Rs 12 lakh a year should get a registration certificate, as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
A district-level advisory committee has been formed with the collector as its head, to assist local FDA officials to effectively implement the Act, Kekare said.
The committee meets periodically to evaluate glitches and suggest solutions to ensure 100% implementation of food safety norms.
Besides the district collector, the committee has the chief executive officer of Zilla Parishad, dean of B J Medical College, district health officer (DHO) and DSP (rural) as its members.
"We have initiated multi-pronged approached like special drives and spot registration drive to rope in as many food business operators as possible. We are going to further strengthen our efforts," Kekare said.
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