UT ADMIN ISSUES NEW GUIDELINES UNDER FOOD SAFETY & STANDARDS ACT

In a major decision, the UT Administration has decided not to renew or register the licences under Food Safety & Standards Act 2006 of the premises outside Lal Dora. The UT Administration on Monday issued new guidelines for issuance of licence and registration under FSS Act, 2006.

According to the guidelines, no premises outside Lal Dora (Abadi-Deh) will be issued any licence/registration. Also, no renewal of licence/registration of premises which fall outside Lal Dora will be done even if they have been issued food licences/registration under FSS Act, 2006 or PFA Act.

At present, a large number of shops are running in the areas developed illegally outside the Lal Dora. And, the new guidelines adopted by the UT Administration are likely to lead to closure of these food outlets running outside the Lal Dora area here.

“For the renewal of licence, satisfactory proof of possession is required. However, in absence for the same, an affidavit on prescribed format is to be furnished as proof of possession,” said the new guidelines. The date of validity of registration/license will be from the date of issue of registration/license and not from the date of application.

“A no objection certificate from Chandigarh Housing Board, UT Estate Officer and Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh is required to be submitted for the issuance of food license if the food business operator (FBOs) is running business in residential premises, basements, SCF & SCR (except ground floor),” stated the guidelines.

The rules have been issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. All FBOs are required to obtain a food license for all conversions, renewals, new licences and registrations every year. According to the Food Safety Act, operating a food business without a licence or registration will attract a penalty up to Rs5 lakh and imprisonment up to six months.