What is FSSA, 2006 & why this Act is needed?
Ans: FSSA, 2006 is an Act enacted to keep with changing needs/requirements of time and to consolidate the laws relating to food and to establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The Act was needed to bring out a single statutory body for food laws, standards setting and enforcement so that there is one agency to deal and no confusion in the minds of consumers, traders, manufacturers and investors which was due to a multiplicity of food laws.
Who is responsible for the implementation & Enforcement of FSSA, 2006?
Or
Who is the regulatory authority under the Food Act in India?
Ans: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in association with State Food Authorities are responsible for implementation & enforcement of FSSA, 2006.
When was FSSAI established?
Ans: The Government has established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 vide notification no. S. O. 2165 (E) dated 5th September 2008.
What are the salient features of FSSA, 2006?
Ans: The mandate assigned to the Food Authority is laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
Which Acts/Orders related to food is repealed in FSSA, 2006? Or What are the major elements of the law?
Ans: The following Acts/Orders mentioned in the second schedule of the Act are going to be repealed in Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:
- Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954
- Fruit Products Order, 1955
- Meat Food Products Order, 1973
- Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947
- Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order, 1998
- Solvent Extracted Oil, Deoiled Meal, and Edible Flour (Control) Order, 1967
- Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992
- Any other order under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 relating to food
What role Food Authority is currently playing to ensure quality and safe food to the consumers?
Ans: The mandate of Food Authority is laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. Food Authority is in the process of formulating and finalizing the various regulations/guidelines in terms of provisions under the Act to ensure the quality and safety of food and giving effect to the mandate of the Food Authority.
Is there a registration fee required under FSSA?
Ans: Yes, there is a registration fee of Rs 100/- to be paid by FBO.
What are the fees outlined for Licensing in the new rules & regulations?
Ans: The fees outline for licensing is given in Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 which is available on FSSAI website.
What are the online available payment options?
Ans: It is through the draft, credit card, online banking.
What information do I need to make payment online?
Ans: You have to fill up the online form and attach documents.
Can I print a copy of my entire license information?
Ans: Yes.
Can I print the payment receipt after completing the online process?
Ans: Yes.
Can I apply for a new license or renew a license online at any time?
Ans: Yes.
Whether there will be a single or different license for the same premises if they are multiple licenses for different product by the same FBO?
Ans: There will be different license issued under FSSA as the requirement of each product is different. So in the same premises, if the license is being taken for processing of meat, milk & fruits & vegetables, there will be a separate license as these will be done in separate portions & businesses are not connected. However, in case there is fruit & vegetable processing & godown/ store along with it since these are connected activities, one license is applicable
Whom do I contact with technical difficulties while applying online for a license/ Registration?
Ans: You can contact the concerned Food Safety Officer (FSO) for online registration related issues or can contact the concerned Designated Officer (DO) for license related issues.
What is Improvement Notice & who issues improvement notice?
Ans: The improvement notice is the notice issued by the Designated Officer if FBO fails to comply with the regulations under section 32 of the FSS Act.
What action will be taken if FBO fails to comply with Improvement Notice?
Ans: If the food business operator still fails to comply with the improvement notice, the Designated Officer may, after giving the licensee an opportunity to show cause, cancel the licensee granted to him.
Provided that the Designated Officer may suspend any license forthwith in the interest of public health for reasons to be recorded in writing. Penal action can also be taken for non-compliance as per the Act.
What is a food recall & what is its purpose?
Ans: “Recall” means action taken to remove a marketed food from distribution, sale and consumption which is unsafe and violate the provisions of the Act and the rules & regulations made thereunder. The purpose is to prevent, reduce or eliminate a risk arising from food to the consumer.
How do I complain about the food bought from a shop or a restaurant?
Ans: The consumer should register their complaints through the Toll-Free No. 1800 425 1125