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FSSAI order to ensure uninterrupted food supplies during Covid-19; relaxes norms
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Friday, 23 April, 2021, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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To ensure uninterrupted food services and supplies during the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued directions to facilitate the continuity of food business operations.
In an order, the FSSAI has stated that import clearances of food items and testing services by FSSAI’s notified laboratories (including both public and private laboratories) were essential services and remained operational.
The order reads, “it is reiterated that the following services of FSSAI are considered as essential: (i) Import clearance of food items at all notified food entry points; (i) FSSAI notified testing laboratories (including National Food Laboratories); 2. All personnel assigned the above essential services are required to attend office so that these services operate smoothly.”
Further, directions, applicable with immediate effect, were also issued in another order relaxing various norms for operations of food businesses.
The direction says that FSSAI (under the Covid-19 situation) will allow FBOs, other than manufacturers, to temporarily operate their businesses on the basis of a valid receipt of FSSAI licence or registration application having 17- digit Application Reference Number (ARN) generated upon online application and fee payment on FoSCoS.
“This will enable quick expansion of logistic supply chains, warehouses, retail outlets, catering, food service establishments etc. wherever required while new businesses can start operating once they successfully file a complete application on FoSCoS,” reads the statement issued by the FSSAI.
However, this was an interim relief measure, the licence or registration will need to be secured before the expiry of the relaxation.
The direction says that ‘manufacturers’ were allowed to increase or enhance their capacity, on the basis of a valid receipt of FSSAI Application Reference Number. This will enable immediate upscaling of production facilities without waiting for regulatory approvals, says the FSSAI.
According to the direction, no routine inspections were required to be done except in case of high risk food products like milk and milk products, slaughter houses and meat and meat products. However, food safety authorities can conduct inspections in case of select cases on the basis of risk profiling or in case of any food emergency or incidents and complaints. And, inspections could be done by e-inspection, wherever it was found feasible.
The deadline for returns for 2020-21 was also extended till June 30, 2021, and all returns can be filed online on FoSCoS.
Further, no penalty shall be payable for late filing of application for renewal of licences. The direction says that this measure was until and shall cease with effect from June 30, 2021, irrespective of the status of lockdown or curfew or containment at any location.
FSSAI has also written to all states to ensure no disruption of food supply chains and that regulatory compliance requirements were not an impediment for operation of any food business.
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