FSSAI launches its cloud based, upgraded new food safety compliance online platform called Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS). It will replace the existing Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). FoSCoS has been conceptualized to provide a one point stop for all engagements of a Food Business Operator with the concerned FSSAI department for any regulatory compliance transactions.
FoSCoS has been integrated with FoSCoRIS mobile app and will soon integrate with the present IT platforms of FSSAI such as INFOLNet, FoSTaC, FICS, FPVIS etc. Sample management, improvement notices, adjudications, audit management system etc. Modules will be enabled in a phased manner in the near future. A single regulatory platform will enable pan India integrated response system to any food fraud and ensure an advanced risk based, data driven regulatory approach. At the start, FoSCoS will be offering only the following modules: –
- Licensing
- Registration
- Inspection
- Annual Return
FoSCoS essentially has flows similar to FLRS, so that users have convenience in migrating to FoSCoS. The paradigm change is the shift of methodology of licensing for manufacturers which now shall be based on standardised product list. This will help in quicker grant of licences and eliminate errors. The new approach is only for manufacturers of standardised food products. For manufacturers, in case of non-specified food, supplements/nutraceuticals, proprietary food and substances added to food – the approach continues to be as in FLRS. All other Kind of Businesses such as catering, transport, storage etc. the licensing/ registration shall be based on broad category approach, as earlier.
Along with FoSCoS, the module for filing online Annual Return shall also be available. The return for financial year 2019-2020 may be filed online. Delayed returns due to postal delays, need to preserve dispatch/receipt proofs and disputes regarding submission of returns resulting in harassment of food business operators will be eliminated. Mandatory documents have been rationalised and many paper-based declarations have been replaced with tick-based declaration. The central theme is to enhance the ease of doing business for the food business operators and enhance user experience for users.
The FoSCoS shall be launched in phases. For the initial launch of FoSCoS on 01 June 2020, States/UTs of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Odisha, Manipur, Chandigarh, Puducherry and Ladakh have been selected. FoSCoS will be launched soon in remaining States/UTs, for which advance intimation shall be given on FLRS (https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in). Once the FoSCoS is launched in a State/UT, all licenses/registrations pertaining to the State will be available on FoSCoS (https://foscos.fssal.gov.in/) and the FLRS data shall be disabled for taking any action. Users can log into FoSCoS with the same user-Ids and passwords as in FLRS. However, for initial days, user can access their issued licenses/registrations or applications under processing for viewing purpose only. Users will not be needed to immediately do anything upon migration to FoSCoS apart from verifying the correctness of details in issued licenses/registrations and applications under processing. However, all manufacturers holding a valid FSSAI license shall need to modify their license, so as to choose from the available list of standardized products on FoSCoS. The same can be done without any modification fee before 31st December 2020.
States/UTs have been given directions for capacity building among the officers and Food Business Operators, to ensure smooth transition from FLRS to FoSCoS. Over the past three months, FSSAI has conducted several trainings/workshops on the key features of the system. Further, a training version of FoSCoS (https://fcstrainlng.fssaI.gov.in) has been made available to public, so that users of the system can get acquainted with the upcoming system. The Guidance Document, PPT, Video Tutorials and User Manuals have been made available under User Manual Section on the homepage of the system. Migration Policy, FAQs and other user-oriented material have been made available on the homepage of FoSCoS (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in).
Directions have been issued to all States/UTs to establish a ‘Licensing Helpdesk’ at State HQ level for addressing all queries of users. An officer(s) will need to handle this desk whose telephone number and email ID will need to be disseminated to stakeholders in the State.
In case of any issue with respect to FoSCoS, the grievance holder may contact the Licensing Helpdesk at the State HQ or may contact FSSAI helpline 1800112100 or email at [email protected].
Source: FSSAI
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