With curfews and semi-lockdowns in several parts of the country, the Food Regulator FSSAI on 20th April 2021 wrote to the states to ensure that there won’t be any disruptions in the food supply chain of the country during this time.

In the letter, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India reiterated and clarified that import clearance of food items and food testing services by FSSAI’s notified laboratories (including private and public labs) are ‘essential services’. They also said that routine inspections will not be required except for high-risk products like milk and meat.

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Adding to the concerns of suppliers, the FSSAI said that it has taken immediate steps to facilitate the continuity of food business operations and to ensure uninterrupted food services/supplies during this prevailing COVID-19 outbreak.

Directing further, the food regulator added that it has issued direction to allow FBOs other than manufacturers to temporarily operate their businesses on the basis of valid receipts of FSSAI license and registration application. Talking about the move, they said that this will enable quick expansion of logistic supply chains, warehouses, retail outlets, catering and foodservice establishments, wherever required.

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Further in the letter, the food regulator stated that new businesses can start operating once they successfully file complete applications. This is marked as an interim relief measure for which the license/registration will need to be secured before the expiry of the relaxation.

An Overview of the announcements made by FSSAI to keep food supply chains moving:
– Manufacturers are allowed to increase their capacity on the basis of a valid receipt of the FSSAI license/registration application.
– No routine inspections are required to be done, except in the case of high-risk food products viz. milk and milk products, slaughterhouses, meat, and meat products, etc.
– Food safety authorities can conduct inspections in case of select cases on basis of risk profiling or in case of any food emergency/ incidents and complaints.
– Wherever feasible, inspections can be done by e-inspection.
– The deadline for returns for 2020-21 has been extended till June 2021. No penalty shall be payable for the late filing of the application for renewal of licenses.
– These measures are until and shall cease with effect from June 30, irrespective of the status of lockdown, curfew, or containment at any location.

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