FSSAI has extended the timeline for compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019. FSSAI had formulated these regulations to ensure food safety and quality in the food safety ecosystem in the country. As per FSSAI notice dated 26 July 2019, the Food Business Operators had to comply with all the provisions of the above-mentioned regulations by 1 July, 2020.
The FSSAI has now decided to extend the timeline for compliance for the Food Safety and Standards (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019 has been extended to 1 January 2021. As the date for compliance has been extended so, in the meantime, the Surplus Food Business organisations must comply with the food hygiene measures that are provisioned in the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations 2011.
FSSAI has decided to extend this date as FBOs are facing several difficulties due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the surplus food distribution agencies and the food business operators require additional time to develop their Food Safety Management Systems, which they will need for safe handling of surplus food for distribution.
