SENAPATI, July 30: An on-spot licensing/registration camp cum awareness programme for all kinds of food business was held at the Khabung Karong Community Hall, Senapati, on Wednesday. The event was organized by the Food Safety Administration, Senapati.

Addressing the gathering, L. Johnny, Designated Officer (DO) of the Food Safety Administration, Senapati, emphasized that any food business operating in India is required to have a valid license or registration from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He cited the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, which mandates licensing or registration for all food business operators regardless of their size. He cautioned that any business running without a valid license will be liable to a fine of up to Rs. 10 lakhs.

He elaborated that entities involved in preparing, processing, packaging, storing, distributing, or selling food products including fair price shops, grocery shops, fish and meat vendors, tea hotels, restaurants, street vendors, mid-day meal providers, and Anganwadi centres must comply with this regulation. He further informed that registration can be done online at www.foscos.fssai.gov.in for a fee of Rs. 100 for one year, with mandatory annual renewal. A late renewal will incur a fine of Rs. 100 per day. However, no charges will be levied for AWC workers.

The Food safety officer also warned that the Food Safety Department would begin inspecting all food business establishments and that those found operating without registration or a license would be punished according to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

During the programme, the Food Safety Officer also educated the participants about food fortification, which involves the addition of vitamins and minerals in staples like rice, oil, salt, and milk. He clarified that the previous rumors regarding plastic rice were actually due to a misunderstanding about fortified rice.

The officer also shared that five more such awareness and licensing programmes are planned in different market areas. Participants were shown a slide presentation on how to register and acquire licenses on the spot, including guidance specifically for Anganwadi workers.

Approximately 60 food business operators from Kathikho Karong, Khabung Karong, Vakho, and Mao Karong attended the programme.