Dera Bassi, July 27, 2016: The Health Department has issued a deadline of August 4 to all sweets shop owners, grocers and bakers to get their licences renewed under the Food Safety Act.
The warning was issued by the department following the raids conducted yesterday at several shops in Dera Bassi and Lalru. It has been learnt that the department had started conducting inspections and raids in the city following complaints by residents that shopkeepers were selling adulterated or sub-standard food items.
Sources said warning was issued to all small retailers, roadside food vendors and stall holders to get their licences renewed or face suspension of their licences.
An official in the Health Department said: “Keeping in view the health aspects, we have issued a warning to them to maintain cleanness. All food business operators in Dera Bassi and Lalru have been directed to renew their existing licences and registration granted under the Food Safety and Standard Act 2006.”
District Health Officer Surinder Singh said all food business operators had been directed to renew their existing licences and registrations granted under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
He said the last date for renewal of licences and registration was August 4. After that, any person found operating without licence or registration would be fined as per the Act.
Surinder said the Health Department team was planning to hold camps for registration and renewal of licences of persons dealing with food business.
Under this Food Safety Act, every food business retailer or manufacturer has to register with the licensing or registering authority. The Food Safety and Standards Act states that even petty manufacturer should follow the basic hygiene and safety requirements provided by these regulations.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act – 2006, it is mandatory to have a licence for food business operators with an annual turnover of above Rs 12 lakh, while those earning less than this amount must get a registration certificate, the sources said.
In case of non-compliance of the Health Department’s instructions within the stipulated time, traders can be challaned with cash penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh and/or six months of imprisonment, the health officer said.
