FSSAI Extends compliance with distribution of surplus food norms to Jan 1

The FSSAI has extended the timeline for compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019. This regulation was about to come into force from July 1 this year but now apex food regulator has extended the timeline till January 1, 2021. These regulations seek compliance of the food hygiene protocol, by food distribution agencies provided, under the licensing and registration regulations. According to the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), the surplus food distribution organisations shall comply with the food hygiene measures in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. The order says, “Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the surplus distribution agencies and food business require additional time to develop their food safety management system so as to ensure safe handling of the surplus food for distribution. And considering the difficulties faced by the food businesses, it has been decided to further extend the timeline for compliance of the notification (with respect to surplus food distribution) up to January 1, 2021”. FSSAI had notified Food Safety and Standards (Recovery of Surplus Food) Regulations, on August 4, 2019, to establish a uniform national regulation to protect organisations and individuals when they donate food in good faith. These regulations prescribe about the mandatory training of hygiene practices during food collection and distribution under Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC), as it is mandatory for surplus food distribution agencies to register with FSSAI on food licensing portal. Also, FSSAI has created a portal (Indian Food Sharing Alliance) IFSA network, which is a single point connecting the food distributors to the one who is in need and even those who want to be a volunteer.