Food business operators directed to obtain FSSAI license and registration

Kohima, February 27 (MExN): In pursuance of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011, all food business operators in Nagaland State have been directed to obtain FSSAI license or register or renew their business establishments irrespective of rural and urban area from the respective office of the Chief Medical Officer (Designative Officer) of the districts for a period of two years on or before March 31.

Dr. L. Watikala, Principal Director & Additional Food Safety Commissioner, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare in a press release informed that any renewal application filed beyond the period mentioned above will be accompanied with a late fee of Rs. 100/- per day, for each day of delay.

Licensing and registration forms and other details can be obtained from the office of the Chief Medical Officer (Designated Officers) on all working days.

Meanwhile, all Designated Officers (CMOs) have been requested to submit half-yearly reports on licensing and registration of FBOs (October 2016, March 2017) and annual report on Food Safety activities for the year 2016-17 on or before April 15, 2017 as per the format.

The food business operators include food manufacturers, millers, grinders, wholesalers, retailers, godowns, warehouses, gold storages, distributers, transporters, stockers, agencies, departmental suppliers, re-packers or re-labellers, pharmacies dealing with food items, food supplements, hotels, restaurants, canteens, caterers, all petty food business operators etc.

The press release reiterated that operating food business without a license or registration will attract a penalty up to Rs. 5 lakh and imprisonment up to 6 months under Section 63 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.