Consumers can register complaints online against a particular food business operator using the FSSAI license number.
In an Order dated 8th June 2021, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has mandated declaration of 14-digit FSSAI License or Registration number on cash receipts/ purchase invoices/cash memo /bills etc. by all food businesses operators (“FBOs”), w.e.f. 1st October, 2021. Earlier FSSAI number was compulsory to be mentioned on all the packaged food labels, that was restricted to those who sold packaged foods. This will ensure that non-certified or non-registered Food business operators in India will look to mandatory have FSSAI licence number or registration.
As per the notification, there shall also be amendments to FSS (Licensing and registration of Food Businesses) Regulations for all time display of ‘food safety display boards’ at prominent places at restaurants. FSSAI aims to strengthen the food registration regulatory structure and robust customer grievance system by digitalizing access to information related the food business and lodging complaint by inputting the 14-digit FSSAI food license/registration number.
POLICY:
- Mandatory declaration by all food businesses of 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number on cash receipts/purchase invoices/cash memo/bills etc. excluding GST e-way bill from October 01, 2021.
- Food businesses shall be required to maintain minimum compliance cost, as no new transaction documents are required to be issued as per the order.
- Non-compliance of declaration shall lead to food business being declared as non-registered under FSSAI.
- Display ‘food safety display boards‘ located at prominent places of restaurants to increase overall consumer awareness.
- FSSAI number can be used for tracking and tracing path of the package from manufacturer to consumer.
The regulator aims to strengthen regulatory structure and have a robust customer grievance system by digitalizing access to information of the food business which would help customers file complaints against eateries easily in case of any irregularities.
This mandate will create transparency and a pillar of trust between the food businesses with the consumers. As a Food Business Operator (FBO), it will ensure compliance with the FSSAI regulations of being mandatorily being registered.
If you are a consumer then be happy with the new amendment as it bolster’s redressal of grievances against any FBO. Consumers can visit the FSSAI’s portal and ‘Food Safety Connect’ app for accessing information about FSSAI Licenseor Registration by inputting the 14-digit FSSAI License/Registration number.
If you are a FBO and need more details on FSSAI regulatory compliances or looking for regulatory compliance management tool, please get in touch with Lexplosion Solutions.
Written by: Anchal Sharma
Additional Inputs by: Saikat Mondal
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