In a move to ensure regulatory transparency and compliance, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose FSSAI licence or registration has expired during the financial year 2024-25 to mandatorily submit a Closure Report.
According to the latest directive issued by the food safety authority, FBOs must confirm through this report that no food business activities are being carried out at the premises under the expired licence or registration number. Alternatively, they must declare whether a new FSSAI licence or registration has been obtained for continued operations.
Additionally, FBOs are required to provide specific reasons for the non-renewal of their FSSAI licence or registration. This applies not only to the current fiscal year but also to all future cases where a licence or registration expires. In such instances, the reason for closure of the business or non-renewal must be submitted.
These submissions must be made via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, as part of the FSSAI’s efforts to maintain transparency and traceability in its licensing framework.
The FSSAI has also warned that operating a food business without a valid FSSAI licence or registration may lead to serious consequences. Under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh can be imposed on violators.
This new measure is expected to help authorities keep track of inactive or closed food businesses and ensure that no unlicensed operations continue under expired credentials.