The present pandemic caused by coronavirus disease COVID-19 has not only caused health problems but has also affected the world’s economy as there has been disruptions in the supply chains, businesses and jobs. In response, to this situation caused by the pandemic, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is taking several steps to ensure un-interrupted food services/supply as well as industry facilitation during the lockdown period.
Though FSSAI’s paramount concern remains food safety, it can appreciate the need to facilitate food businesses so they can function in these trying times, especially as the supply chains are badly affected. In this regard FSSAI has taken some key steps during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
FSSAI has classified import clearances of food items and food testing laboratories (National Food Labs at NCR and Kolkata and FSSAI accredited private laboratories) as Essential Services during this period. To facilitate faster clearance, sampling is being allowed at Kochi International Container Trans-shipment Terminal itself rather than at CFS. Provisional clearance for the consignments of imported crude oils (edible grade) and food grains has been allowed till 30th May, 2020. Provision has been made to receive online applications and fee for review of rejected food import cases.
FSSAI has also taken into consideration the need for consistent supply of Food for Special Medical Purposes i.e., food for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) conditions and hypoallergenic conditions and has therefore, extended the permission for their import for a further period of 6 months till 01st Nov, 2020 through the Delhi and Mumbai ports.
Those FBOs who are in logistic supply chains, other than manufacturers, have been permitted by the FSSAI to temporarily operate their businesses on the basis of a valid receipt of FSSAI license/ registration application having 17- digit Application Reference Number (ARN) generated on Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). Only in case of high-risk cases, inspection by way of e-inspections will be done to prevent delay in processing of applications.
Those FSSAI Licenses that were to be renewed during the period 22nd March to 31st May 2020 have been allowed a penalty waiver and grace period till 30th June 2020 for renewal. Also. the returns to be filed by food businesses have been deferred till 31st July 2020. Modification fee for FBO’s has been reduced from one-year license fee to Rs 1,000 only.
FSSAI has also released a guidance note titled “Food Hygiene and Safety Guidelines for Food Businesses during Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic” which covers best practices/ guidelines to be followed by food handlers to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, safe food practices, implementation of GHP and GMP practices as per Schedule 4 of FSS Act as well as ensuring necessary protocols of social distancing. The guidance note is available at www.fssai.gov.in. Through its flagship FoSTaC programme along with the empanelled training partners, the FSSAI has also initiated an online training module, for food handlers on the essentials of food safety and hygiene practices during COVID-19.
FSSAI is using various communication tools to disseminate necessary information regarding COVID-19 in the interest of the public. Two posts, one in Hindi and other in English are put out on various social media platforms, from the official handle of FSSAI. These messages are related to food safety, personal hygiene practices, healthy eating habits, social distancing and also contain other valuable tips for citizens. FSSAI is collaborating with MyGov platform to disseminate key messages in the form of small videos of 30/40 seconds with endorsement from various experts in the field of food safety and nutrition including doctors, nutritionists, dieticians, chefs as well as sports personnel. Similar collaboration is also being carried out with UNICEF, India.
A COVID-19 specific page has been created by FSSAI on their website. The webpage incorporates various communication collaterals, guidance notes and press releases along with important notifications, directions and orders released by FSSAI during this period.
Food safety officials, in most States, are engaged in active COVID duty to ensure lockdown besides doing their routine surveys/surveillance; inspections of working food businesses / community kitchens and coordination for food supplies. FSSAI appreciates the service being rendered by the frontline workers – COVID warriors and that of the silent backend support workers in essential and support services. Employees of FSSAI have contributed Rs 7.41 Lakhs towards the PM Care Fund.
Source: FSSAI
Milan says
Links could have been given at respective places so those interested specifically could click and directed there immediately rather than go to Home Page and try to locate, thereby losing interest if difficult to navigate from Homepage.
Prof.Dr.Mahendra Pal says
I am very glad to know that Employees of FSSAI have contributed Rs 7.41 Lakhs towards the Prime Minister Care Fund to fight against COVID-19 that has caused high morbidity and mortality in over 200 countries of the world.
My hearty congratulations to the Employees of FSSAI.
Prof.Dr.Mahendra Pal