It has been observed by the FSSAI that the Food Business Operators at times face delays in processing of their license application for Manufacture Kind of Businesses (KoB) especially in the context of multiple food products.
Apparently the reason behind such delay is inability of the FBOs to specify the food products clearly in the license application. This is why the license authority had to raise multiple /similar queries on the application regarding clarity of some food products. Notably, this could happen even if they are satisfied from the details provided with respect to other food products and sections of application.
FSSAI has opined that the licensing authorities may advise the FBOs to delete such food products from the license application for which FBO is unable to make corrections despite making the queries several times.
The idea behind this move is to gear up the process so that the licensing of the eligible products will be done without any unnecessary delay.
FBOs have been advised to delete such products so that the licenses may be issued for the eligible products only to avoid any perplexity.
Significantly, once the license is issued FBO if required may file modification of its already issued license with fee as applicable (Rs!000/- plus differential fee if any) for the remaining products.
Certainly the faster processing of license applications will promote Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) thereby avoiding delays in issuance of licenses for the food products which are eligible as per the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
The advisory has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Dr Mukundan Kunjan, Managing Faculty, MIFT, Kochi. says
This is a welcome decision.
It will be good if the licensing authorities are given a licensing quota, so that the authorities will promote new FBOs to come up. ( Each officer shall issue a certain number of new FBO licences per year). That will speed up new startups in food processing sector and generate better income and more employment opportunities.