Mumbai: FDA to penalise unlicensed food vendors

To take care of the health of the citizens of the state, and also to prevent citizens from getting adulterated food, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken up a campaign against the food sellers. Under this campaign, action will be taken against food vendors who do not have registration and license under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2002. Mangesh Mane, Joint Commissioner (Food) of the Food and Drug Administration, Mumbai Division, warned that a fine of INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakh will be levied on the food sellers.

The FDA is working to provide healthy, clean and safe food items to the citizens of the state. It frequently conducts campaigns to prevent consumers from being duped into buying adulterated foods. Food vendors, manufacturers, hawkers and temporary stall holders are required to have a registration certificate. But many food vendors are found to be unlicensed or unregistered. Therefore, if retailers, hotels, dhabas, grocery stores, bakeries, sweets, milk and other food vendors and manufacturers do not have a license, they will be fined up to INR 10 lakhs.

Also, small food traders such as small sellers/producers, hawkers, and temporary stall holders will be fined up to INR 1 lakh if they do not have a registration certificate. Therefore, Mangesh Mane warned that food vendors should immediately register on FSSAI's website and get license along with necessary documents, otherwise penal action will be taken against them.

Customers are advised to be cautious

Mangesh Mane has appealed that if any food adulteration is found or if there is any complaint regarding the quality of food, the detailed information should be given to Food and Drug Administration toll free number 1800222365.

The license should be affixed in the facade

After obtaining a license or registration, the food vendors must display the certificate obtained from the Food and Drug Administration Department at the front of the place of business. Moreover, it is necessary to pay attention to its renewal period. Otherwise there may be a penalty.