FSSAI Issues Advisory to Ensure Safety of Perishable Foods
The FSSAI has released new guidelines to ensure the safety of perishable foods like dairy, meat, and fish throughout the supply chain.
New Delhi, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a significant advisory aimed at safeguarding perishable food items, including khoya, paneer, meat, and fish. The announcement, made on Sunday, emphasizes the necessity of maintaining proper temperature control throughout the entire supply chain for these products.
In a post on social media platform X, the FSSAI stated that food business operators (FBOs) must adhere strictly to hygiene and temperature control standards when managing, storing, and transporting these perishable items.
The advisory highlights that the Food Safety and Standards (Food Business Licensing and Registration) Regulations of 2011 already outline hygiene and health requirements for food business operators. However, it has come to light that many perishable items, such as khoya, paneer, meat, and fish, are often not stored at the appropriate temperatures, increasing the risk of microbial growth and spoilage.
The FSSAI stressed that maintaining the prescribed temperature is essential throughout the processes of purchasing, storing, chilling, transporting, distributing, and delivering food products to consumers. Negligence in temperature management not only poses a threat to food safety but also impacts public health and constitutes a violation of regulations.
According to the advisory, transporting food products must occur in clean, covered, and sanitary vehicles, with strict adherence to temperature requirements during storage and transport. Additionally, food items should be packaged using food-grade materials, avoiding the use of bags or non-food-grade materials.
Moreover, food products must be protected from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage, and cross-contamination. Operators are also required to maintain records related to goods and traceability and must provide relevant documents upon request.
The FSSAI has instructed food safety commissioners in all states and union territories, along with Indian Railways and regional directors, to ensure that licensing authorities and food safety officers exercise heightened vigilance during routine inspections and transport checks.
The authority made it clear that violations could lead to actions under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and related regulations. In severe cases, food items may be seized and destroyed.
As the festive season approaches and food demand increases, maintaining the quality of products like khoya, paneer, meat, and fish becomes crucial. Even minor lapses in temperature control can lead to foodborne illnesses and serious health issues.
The FSSAI’s advisory aims to ensure that consumers receive safe, clean, and high-quality food products while upholding food safety standards throughout the supply chain.
