The FSSAI has issued an advisory clarifying the matrix for raising grievances or questions related to Central License applications. According to the advisory, if any food business operator (FBO) is dissatisfied with the central licencing authority’s decision, the matter can be taken to the concerned regional director. Yet, in case the FBO further wants to represent the case after receiving comments from the concerned Regional Director, or in case no comments were received within 21 days of raising the request with the concerned RD, the FBO can escalate the matter before the Executive Director of Compliance Strategy at FSSAI Headquarters, along with all the relevant communications made with respect to the case to date.
The food authority of India has also directed that communication be made through a registered email address, as provided in the licencing application by the FBO.
It is relevant to note that FSSAI has an online platform, the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), for the issuance of pan-India FSSAI licences and registration, and for central licencing procedures as laid down under the FSS Act, the food authority has approved the Central Licensing Authority (CLA).