Out of the three lakh eligible food business operators (FBO) in Karnataka, about 1.25 lakh either got registered or obtained licences by December 31, 2014. Food safety officers (FSO) are gearing up to complete the remainder in the next three weeks. This figure includes businesses engaged in the wholesale supply, manufacture or import of food, among others. The state achieved this in the wake of a massive shortfall of FSO.
The total number of FBO in the state is pegged at six lakh, but 50 per cent do not come under the purview of the food licencing and registration system because they have taken the matter of complying with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011, to court. The issue is pending with the Supreme Court. According to FSSAI estimates, the FBO in Karnataka constitute a mere one per cent of the state’s population (estimated to be six crore).
Dr H S Shivakumar, deputy director, office of the Commissioner of Food Safety and Standards, Karnataka, told, “We are now working to ensure that 1.75 lakh FBO complete the formalities of registration and licencing before February 4, 2015 as per the Centre’s orders.”
He added, “The state managed to achieve this despite the serious shortfall of FSO. The total requirement is of 210 FSO, but we have just 60. Further, there is also the need for senior FSO and other designated staff. The food safety offices across the state’s 30 districts is facing a dearth of human resources.”
“Online registration has simplified the process of registration and licencing, so FBO have a big advantage. Now FBO need not come to the food safety commissioner’s office to complete the registration and licencing process. He may also seek assistance by dialling the helpline number,” said Shivakumar.
Karnataka’s food safety commissioner has also embarked on a massive information, communication and education (IEC) drive to ensure that all the FBO are aware of the need to seek licence and registration. The objective is to motivate FBO to comprehend FSSR, 2011, and its importance. The need of the hour is to ensure the highest level of consumer satisfaction, which propels revenue generation.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are leading in terms of the licencing and registration of FBO.
“Although there are efforts by many states to seek an extension to the licencing and registration deadline, Karnataka has not sought any such request. We are now in full-throttle mode to achieve the licencing and registration of the 1.75 lakh in three weeks,” stated Shivakumar.
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