July 3, 2020
FSSAI has postponed the timeline for the compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019 as this regulation was about to come into force from 1st July 2020, but FSSAI has extended the timeline further to 1st January 2021.
These regulations seek adherence of the food hygiene protocol, by food distribution agencies provided, under the licensing and registration regulations.
According to the FSSAI, the surplus food distribution organizations 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 organizations and individuals when they donate food in good will and 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 IFSA network (Indian Food Sharing Alliance), which is a single unit centre connecting the food distributors to the one who is in need and even those who want to be a volunteer to serve the nation.