FSSAI License Number is mandatory on cash receipts and bills by all food Businesses from Oct 1, 2021

Introduction

From October 1, 2021, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (hereafter referred to as FSSAI) has instructed food enterprises in India to include their FSSAI license/registration number on receipts, invoices, cash receipts, bills, and other documents. According to the announcement, the FSSAI (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations will be amended to require the permanent display of "food safety display boards" in prominent areas in restaurants. By digiting access to information connected to the food industry and lodging complaints by inputting the 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number, the FSSAI hopes to enhance the regulatory framework and provide a comprehensive consumer grievance mechanism.

Complaints are usually inconclusive, according to FSSAI authorities, due to a lack of precise information such as the FSSAI number given. For identifying and tracing the source of a complaint, the FSSAI number functions similarly to a unique locator code. The FSSAI requires food enterprises to register prior to opening for business and to show their FSSAI number on all packaged food labels. With this decision, the FSSAI also intends to provide customers with a means to find out the FSSAI number of service providers.

Objective

The notification aims to improve access to information and empower a trustworthy regulatory framework. The use of technologically equipped mechanisms such as the FSSAI online portal and the 'Food Safety Connect' app would make it easier to file complaints online. FSSAI numbers on cash receipts, purchase invoices, cash memos, and bills will enable FSSAI to create a database for complaints verification.

The notification states the following points: 

• From October 1, 2021, all food enterprises must declare their 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number on transaction documents such as cash receipts/purchase invoices/cash memos/bills, etc., except GST e-way bills. Because no new transaction documents are required to be issued as a result of the decision, food firms will be expected to keep their compliance costs to a minimum. The mandatory declaration will increase transparency and the food regulatory system. Failure to comply with the declaration will result in the food company being declared non-registered by the FSSAI.

• According to the changes to the FSSAI (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, food businesses must display "food safety display boards." To raise general customer awareness, boards will be placed in prominent locations throughout restaurants.

• The FSSAI number can be used to monitor and trace pre-packaged food from the manufacturer to the customer his technique will help to increase traceability and create a trail for food goods.

Conclusion

The FSSAI wants to strengthen the grievance redress system by making it easier to file online complaints using the FSSAI number. This move would provide customers with particular information needed for prompt resolution of complaints, as well as increase overall knowledge and therefore improve the criteria of food safety and standards in India. Therefore, it is one of the great initiate in order to build an effective and efficient system for the consumers. 

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Author:

Tejaswini Lala
Hyderabad
BBA-LLB student of Symbiosis Law School Hyderabad.