The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on 21st February, 2024
issued an advisory regarding the time-bound processing of applications for licenses marked for inspections. It highlights the issuance of directions for Risk Based Inspections, mandating pre-license inspections for specific categories such as Milk & Milk products, Meat & Meat products, Fish & Fish products, Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs), and SlaughterHouses.
The advisory notes that designated officers are frequently marking licensing applications for pre-licensing inspection in non-mandatory cases, leading to delays in processing and license issuance. It emphasizes that no pre-license inspections should be conducted in cases other than those mentioned in the order for Risk Based Inspection. Designated officers are instructed to record reasons in writing with clear justification if they believe inspection is necessary in non-mandatory categories. Additionally, the document outlines the timelines for conducting inspections and emphasizes the need for strict adherence to these timelines.
The advisory advises Designated Officers that no pre-license inspections should be conducted in cases other than those mentioned in the Order for Risk Based Inspection. In situations where a Designated Officer believes that it is necessary to conduct an inspection in non-mandatory categories, they are required to record the reason in writing with clear justification. Additionally, once an application is marked for inspection in non-mandatory categories, the inspection should be completed within 15 days. If the inspection is not conducted within this timeframe, the Designated Officer should recall the application back to the Document Scrutiny Stage in the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) and grant the license. If the Designated Officer still believes that an inspection is necessary prior to the grant of a license, they can reassign the inspection to another Food Safety Officer or conduct the inspection themselves without further delay.
Furthermore, the advisory requests Commissioners of Food Safety of States / UTs and Directors of Regional Offices, FSSAI to monitor the pendency of licensing applications under their jurisdiction through the FoSCoS Dashboard and ensure that the concerned licensing authorities strictly adhere to the timelines as prescribed and orders issued by FSSAI from time to time.
