Early Times Report
Jammu, July 28: Food Safety and Standard Authority of India stipulates FBO (Food Business Operator) to get their FSSAI License renewed every year. Looking to lock down FSSAI vide their Order No.15(6) 2020/FLRS/RCD/FSSAI dated 18th June 2020 allowing extension in renewal of FSSAI Licence till 31st July 2020. Few months ago, a meeting of FSSAI, CEO and other officials held on 3rd December 2019, which was also attended by Sh. V K Bansal, National General Secretary, Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal. During the meeting, it was agreed by FSSAI authorities present, that suitable amendment will be brought in FSS (Licensing and registration of Food Businesses) Regulation ,2011 to make following amendment : Removal of provisions for renewal of licence/registration with one-time
Fee,Easy/online submission of annual return,Reduction in License fee,Review of condition of license (such as in case there is no technical person,in the company, any employee/officer could get themselves trained under,FoSTaC initiative )Now the last date of renewal of FSSAI license has touched the lines and half of India is still under lock down either by Local administrations order or by suo motto. Compliance of renewal of FSSAI licence is at very lower side.It is also strange that after the on-going pandemic ,Government of India has emphasised to use online methods for statutory compliances. Officials of local bodies have been designated to receive documents for renewal. All such officers are highly occupied in managing containment of COVID-19. Even if they are available, they are desisting to receive physical documents in view to contain spread of virus through documents. Keeping Social distance is another reason which is preventing Businesses and Officials to comply provisions of renewal of FSSAI Licence.
In some of places our fraternity has reported demand of heavy bribe in renewal of Licenses. It is also to be appreciated that that out of 12 months working period in the financial year, Business community is not expecting normal business for more than 3 months. In such a scenario renewal for one year against actual working of 3-4 months is not justified. Therefore looking to present scenario Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal vide its letter dated 28th July 2020 has requested FSSAI CEO that condition of renewal of FSSAI Licence should be done away for current financial year and in the meantime online facilities for fresh/ renewal of FSSAI licence should be started.
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