Notices issued to 20 eatery owners

Ludhiana, November 14

Eatery owners are on the radar of the Health Department.

Those, who are yet to apply for licences under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA)-2006, are being issued notices.

“We have issued notices to 20 owners of sweetmeat shops, food joints and departmental stores. Those, who do not have licences, will not be spared. During raids, we make it a point to check licences and other papers,” said Dr Abnash Kumar, District Health Officer.

He said the notices were issued on the spot. “Owners have been told to apply for licences online within 15 days, failing which challans will be sent to the court for further action.”

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, food business operators with a turnover of up to Rs 12 lakh have to obtain “registration certificates” while those having a turnover of more than Rs 12 lakh have to obtain “licences” from the state government.

The Centre issues licences to businessmen having a turnover of Rs 20 crore.

It is learnt that in Ludhiana, there are 14,750 registered eateries and 2,150 owners have licences.