Srinagar: The Food Safety and Standards Department has issued new directives for hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and other food outlets under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The move aims to ensure consumers receive safe and wholesome food.
According to the notice, every food business must obtain and display a valid FSSAI license or registration before operating. Expired licenses must be renewed immediately or face penalties under Section 63 of the Act.
Establishments are also required to display a Food Safety Display Board (FSDB) showing the FSSAI license number, customer care contact, type of service, medium of food preparation, and a declaration stating, “No MSG or Synthetic Colours Added to Food.” The FSDB must follow color codes set by FSSAI, such as purple for restaurants and blue for caterers.
FSSAI has encouraged all licensed outlets to join the voluntary Hygiene Rating Scheme under the Eat Right India initiative. The hygiene rating certificate must be displayed prominently and renewed periodically.
Food handlers must undergo annual medical checkups, and establishments must maintain valid medical fitness records
Water used for cooking and cleaning must be tested regularly at NABL-accredited labs, with potability reports kept ready for inspection.
Strict pest control, disposal of used cooking oil through registered RUCO aggregators, and nomination of trained Food Safety Supervisors under the FoSTaC programme are now mandatory.
Hotels and restaurants must also keep detailed records on raw material procurement, water testing, pest control, equipment calibration, and employee health. Only food-grade utensils and packaging are permitted. Temperature control is critical, with chilled foods to be stored below 4°C, frozen items at –18°C, and hot food above 60°C until service.
All establishments have one month to comply. Non-compliance will lead to special inspections and legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Officials said the new rules are intended to strengthen food safety monitoring and protect public health.(KNS)
