FSSAI envisages coverage of exports

The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed changes to the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), seeking to bring export consignments within its purview. The food industry regulator has also suggested a slew of liberalisation measures, including simplification in the process of acquiring food-business licences, to help companies to set up businesses more quickly and easily. FSSAI also wants to scrap the current dual control of the state and the Centre in granting licences.

It has recommended that all businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, retailing, and transporting food services will require only state licences; while companies with multi-state operations will need a licence from the Centre. Furthermore, FSSAI wants to get rid of the annual licence renewal process due to staff constraints and replace it with annual declarations.