Dindigul: The food safety department has undertaken a month-long drive to create sensitization for food business operators (FBO) to make them comply with the licence and registration rules under the food safety and standards rules.
There are about 19,000 private and 5,000 public sector FBOs, including Tasmac outlets, bars attached to Tasmac, canteens and hostels in Dindigul district, of which only 75% have registered with the department. Nearly 6,000 private and government FBOs are operating without any licence or registration certificate.
Designated officer for food safety, Dindigul district, Dr K Natarajan said that they have prepared a schedule to reach out to food item manufacturers and traders. “Earlier, 86% of the FBOs were registered. There was a drop during the election time as our manpower was busy with election-related work. Our aim is to cross the 90% mark in the coming days. However, our ultimate aim is to bring each and every FBO into the fold,” he said.
As per rules, FBOs, whose yearly turnover is less than Rs 12 lakh have to get a registration certificate from the food safety department. FBOs with yearly turnover of more than Rs 12 lakh have to get licence by paying Rs 2,000 or Rs 3,000 a year, depending on the business type. In the absence of registration or licence it becomes difficult for officials to track the FBOs and make sure they supply safe food.
Natarajan said that they are recommending the FBOs to go for five year licence so that they need not repeat the process of renewing every year. “We will conduct periodical inspections throughout the district after streamlining FBOs and necessary action will be taken against those who are found violating the rules,” he added.
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