Srinagar, August 18:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed hotels, restaurants, cafes, dhabas, sweet shops, bakeries, caterers and other food businesses to strictly comply with food safety and consumer information requirements.
The advisory emphasises that every Food Business Operator (FBO) has a statutory responsibility under the food safety framework to ensure that food offered to consumers is safe, properly represented and not misleading.
Food Safety Boards to Be Displayed Prominently
As per the directions, food establishments are required to prominently display a Food Safety Information Board at a clearly visible location on their premises.
The board should carry relevant information, including the FSSAI licence or registration number, customer care details and other applicable information concerning the food products being offered.
Establishments selling sweets, savouries and other food products have also been advised to provide appropriate information about food articles prepared using ghee, edible oil, vanaspati and other edible fats, wherever applicable.
The advisory further stresses that establishments serving cooked or prepared food must clearly indicate the nature and details of food articles being offered to consumers.
Meat Type Must Be Clearly Specified
In an important consumer-transparency measure, FSSAI has directed food businesses serving meat and meat products to clearly specify the exact type of meat used in each preparation.
The applicable meat category, such as Mutton, Beef, Chicken, Fish or other specified meat, should be clearly mentioned on the menu card, Food Safety Information Board, display counter or menu display, wherever applicable.
Food establishments have been advised against using vague descriptions such as “Meat Curry,” “Meat Biryani,” “Meat Kebab” or simply “Non-Vegetarian” without clearly identifying the actual type of meat used.
The information provided to consumers must be accurate, legible, clearly visible and regularly updated.
Food Safety Officials Asked to Ensure Compliance
The advisory directs Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers to disseminate the instructions among Food Business Operators within their respective jurisdictions.
Officials have also been asked to verify compliance during inspections conducted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it.
The authorities have cautioned that non-compliance with applicable food safety requirements may invite appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.
The latest directions are aimed at strengthening food safety, transparency and consumer awareness, while ensuring that customers receive clear, accurate and complete information before purchasing or consuming food products.(KNC)