FSSAI has issued an order dated 20 April 2021 related to functioning of Essential Services in FSSAI in view of preventive measures to contain the spread of novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) To1 facilitate the continuity of food business operations during the prevailing COVID-19 outbreak, FSSAI has taken immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted food services/supply during the current scenario.
FSSAI has clarified that Import clearances of food items and testing services by FSSAIās notified laboratories (including both public and private laboratories) are Essential Services. FSSAI has referred to its previous order dated 25 March 2020 and has reiterated once again that the following services of the FSSAI are considered as essential
- Import clearance of food items at all notified food entry points
- FSSAI notified testing laboratories (Including National Food Laboratories)
The FSSAI has stated that all personnel who are assigned to these above-mentioned essential services are required to attend regular office so these services can operate smoothly.
In the previous order dated 25 March 2020 the FSSAI had said that the FSSAI offices in all six locations that is Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin and Tuticorin will be fully operational for scrutiny of applications, visual inspection and sampling for import clearance to ensure expeditious processing of applications and timely issuance of NOC. The FSSAI had advised all importers to inform their clearing agents about the same. Since FSSAI has clarified that Import Clearance come under the ambit of Essential Services in FSSAI they will continue to function as usual.
As per the new order dated 20 April 2021 FSSAI will continue to assist food importers as well as ensure that regular supervision and testing of food items also continues smoothly so all appropriate steps can be taken to ensure the safety of food products during the present COVID -19 situation.
Reference: https://foodsafetyhelpline.com/?s=FSSAI+essential+services
Source : FSSAI
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