As regards licencing deadline extension, food safety officials in dark

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had extended the deadline for the licencing and registration of food business operators (FBO) across the country four times in the past, but food safety officials are in suspense about the fifth extension.

Speaking to FnB News on the condition of anonymity, a senior official from Arunachal Pradesh said, “A meeting was held at the apex food regulator’s headquarters in New Delhi, and attended by the food safety commissioners and joint commissioners of many states.” 

“FSSAI’s chief executive officer said that February 4, 2015 would be the last date for FBO across the country to obtain licences or register (depending on their turnover), and added that there would be no further extension.”

Dr Praveen Chandra, a food safety official from Jharkhand food safety unit, and director-in-chief, health services, said, “The licencing and registration of FBO is an ongoing process. Those who were licenced under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, (PFA), 1954, would now have to renew their licences under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011.”

“Since the licencing and registration of FBO is pending in a number of states, we are sure that the deadline would be extended by another six months,” he added.

Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), said, “FBO cannot adhere to FSSR, 2011, in its current form. It needs amendments. So FSSAI would have to extend the current deadline.” 

“We have regularly urged former health ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Dr Harsh Vardhan, as well as the incumbent J P Nadda, to heed the suggestions and demands of the industry. We received a positive reply earlier, and Nadda has also taken cognisance of our demands,” he added. 

“A committee has been formed under the health ministry and FSSAI to review the FSSR, 2011. It would meet on January 20, 2015, to do so. They would give their suggestions after the review,” Khandelwal said. 

He added, “Unless the Regulations are not reviewed and amended, the current deadline for licencing and registration would be extended further, and it would provide relief to FBO across the country.”