The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, in an Order dated 24th August, 2020 has issued information regarding waiving off the penalties during COVID-19 pandemic period for failure to submit Annual/ Half Yearly returns by food businesses in previous years.
FSSAI has decided not to count the period of 22nd March, 2020 to 31st December, 2020 for the accumulation of penalties under the provisions of FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011 (“Regulations”) due to non-submission of returns of previous financial years.
Background:
The issue has been raised by several food business operators (“FBOs”) that the Regulations impose penalty on non-submission of returns of previous financial years. Due to the pandemic, the FBOs are seeking relaxation in the penalty levied during this period.
Reviewing the present situation and in coherence of previous Orders (11th April, 2020 and 31st July, 2020) issued by the FSSAI , the present waiving off of penalties has been granted.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
