New notification makes FSSAI number display mandatory for food business

New notification makes FSSAI number display mandatory for food business

The notification aims to put in place a robust customer grievance system

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) vide it's 8 June 2021 notification[1], has made mention of FSSAI license/registration number on receipts/invoices/cash memos/bills, etc. mandatory from 1 October 2021.

As per the notification, amendments shall be made to the FSS (Licensing and registration of Food Businesses) Regulations to place 'food safety display boards' for all times at prominent places at restaurants.

FSSAI aims to strengthen the regulatory structure and put in place a robust customer grievance system by digitalizing access to information related to the food business and lodging complaint by inputting the 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number.

BACKGROUND:

According to FSSAI regulators, complaints are largely inconclusive due to a lack of specific information such as the FSSAI number mentioned. FSSAI number acts similar to a unique locator code for identifying and tracing the origin of the complaint. FFSSAI mandates compulsory registration of food establishments prior to commencement of business as well as the compulsory display of FSSAI number on packaged food labels. Further, FSSAI plans to provide consumers with a mechanism to know the FSSAI number of service providers vide this order.

POLICY:

1. There shall be the mandatory declaration of 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number on transaction documents provided by all food businesses such as cash receipts/purchase invoices/cash memo/bills, etc. excluding GST e-way bill from 1 October 2021. Food businesses shall be required to maintain minimum compliance cost as no new transaction documents are required to be issued as per the order. The mandatory declaration shall enhance disclosure and improve the food regulation infrastructure. Non-compliance with a declaration shall lead to food business being declared as non-registered under FSSAI.

2. Food establishments shall display 'food safety display boards' as per FSS (Licensing and registration of Food Businesses) Regulations amendments. Boards shall be located at prominent places of restaurants to increase overall consumer awareness.

3. FSSAI number can be used for purposes of tracking and tracing the path of pre-packaged food from manufacturer to consumer. Such a mechanism shall improve the traceability and establishing a trail for food products.

ANALYSIS:

The order seeks to enable enhanced access to information and empower a credible regulatory structure. The inclusion of digitally equipped mechanisms such as the FSSAI online portal and the 'Food Safety Connect' app shall improve lodging online complaints. FSSAI number on cash receipts/purchase invoices/cash memo/bills shall help in building a database for FSSAI in cases of complaints for verifying the source.

CONCLUSION

FSSAI seeks to improve the grievance redressal mechanism by simplifying lodging online complaints through FSSAI number. This step shall make consumers equipped with specific information that is required for speedy disposal of grievances and further improve the overall awareness and hence enhance the parameters of food safety and standards in India.