Advisory to airlines by FSSAI
- March 9, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Advisory to airlines by FSSAI
Subject: Polity
Section: National Body
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory to airlines regarding the proper labeling and compliance with food safety regulations for food served on flights.
Labeling Requirements:
- Use by Date and Time: Airlines must ensure that prepared food served on flights is properly labeled with essential information, including the “use by date and time.”
- Caterer’s Name: The packaging of in-flight meals should prominently display the name of the caterer or manufacturer.
- FSSAI License Number: Passengers should be made aware of the FSSAI license numbers of both the caterer/manufacturer and the airline.
- Packaging Details: Other essential details such as the date and time of packaging must be provided on the packaging, as per the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
Compliance with Food Safety Laws:
- FSSAI Act and Regulations: Flight kitchen operators and in-flight food-service providers must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its rules and regulations, including the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
- Licensing Norms: Airlines are directed to ensure compliance with licensing norms, especially when selling pre-packaged food products and private-label products.
- Grievance Redressal: Passengers should be informed that they can lodge food-related grievances on the FSSAI’s Food Safety Connect App.
Surveillance and Inspection:
- Supply Chain Inspection: FSSAI has conducted a surveillance drive to inspect the supply chain of food served to in-flight passengers.
- Observations: Discrepancies were observed in the description of “Kind of Business” in the FSSAI licenses of flight kitchen operators.
- Food Preparation: Food is prepared by flight kitchen operators located near airports and then transported to flights through specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons.
Licensing Clarifications:
- Kind of Business: Flight kitchen operators are asked to describe themselves as “food services (caterer)” in their FSSAI license applications.
- Separate License: Firms transporting food to flights from flight kitchens must obtain a separate FSSAI license.
- Single License for Airlines: Airlines can obtain one FSSAI license instead of separate licenses in different states.
- Pre-Packaged Food: Airlines selling pre-packaged food should indicate themselves as “retailer” in the license.
- Manufacturing or Importing: Airlines getting pre-packaged food products manufactured or imported under their brand name should obtain an appropriate manufacturing or importer license.
- Storage of Food: Airlines involved in storing food also need to obtain a separate FSSAI license.
Compliance and Enforcement:
- The FSSAI advisory aims to ensure that airlines and food service providers comply with food safety regulations, maintain transparency in labeling, and provide passengers with safe and hygienic food during flights.
The advisory from FSSAI underscores the importance of food safety, proper labeling, and compliance with regulations to protect the health and well-being of airline passengers. Airlines are urged to adhere to these guidelines to maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.
About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
Establishment and Mandate:
- Establishment: FSSAI was established to consolidate various laws related to food safety and standards in India. The Act of 2006 brought together laws such as the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, the Fruit Products Order, 1955, the Meat Food Products Order, 1973, and others.
- Central Reference Point: The Act aimed to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards.
- Responsibilities: FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety and quality in India.
- It operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Organizational Structure:
- Headquarters: FSSAI has its headquarters in New Delhi.
- Regional Offices: It has regional offices in eight zones across the country to facilitate efficient monitoring and enforcement.
- Leadership: The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI are appointed by the central government. The Chairperson holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
Functions and Powers:
- Regulations and Standards: FSSAI frames regulations and standards for various food products and additives to ensure safety and quality.
- Licensing and Registration: It grants licenses and registrations to food businesses after ensuring compliance with standards.
- Enforcement: FSSAI enforces food safety laws and regulations through monitoring, surveillance, and inspections.
- Risk Assessment: The authority conducts risk assessment and scientific research on food safety issues to guide its policies.
- Training and Awareness: FSSAI provides training and awareness programs on food safety and hygiene to stakeholders.
- Promotion of Food Fortification: It promotes initiatives such as food fortification and the consumption of organic food.
- Coordination: FSSAI collaborates with other agencies and stakeholders on food safety matters to ensure a holistic approach.
Events and Campaigns:
- World Food Safety Day: FSSAI observes and promotes World Food Safety Day to raise awareness about safe and nutritious food.
- Eat Right India: This campaign aims to promote healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices.
- Eat Right Station: FSSAI’s initiative to ensure availability of healthy food options at railway stations.
- Eat Right Mela: Events organized to promote awareness about food safety and nutrition.
- State Food Safety Index: A tool to measure and rank states based on their food safety performance.
- RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil): FSSAI’s initiative to collect and convert used cooking oil into biodiesel.
- Food Safety Mitra: A scheme to engage and train individuals as food safety supervisors.
- 100 Food Streets: A project to promote safe and hygienic street food vending.
About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
- National Standard Body: BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016.
- Responsibilities: It oversees the harmonious development of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods.
- Consumer Protection: The BIS Act empowers the government to authorize agencies beyond BIS for certification and enforcement of standards, enhancing consumer protection.
- Headquarters: BIS has its headquarters in New Delhi.
Agricultural Marketing (AGMARK):
- Certification Mark: AGMARK is a certification mark for agricultural produce, ensuring conformity to specified grade standards.
- Mandate: It assures quality and differentiates between grades for various agricultural commodities.
- Grade Standards: DMI under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare notifies grade standards for agricultural products.