Latest news with #FBOs
NDTV
05-08-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Found A Fly In Your Food? Scan The QR Code And Report It Instantly. Here's How
In a significant step towards improving food safety and hygiene standards, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a new system that allows customers to file complaints about poor food quality or cleanliness in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and food outlets by simply scanning a QR code. Under this initiative, all food establishments have been directed to display the QR code linked to the 'Food Safety Connect' mobile app prominently at billing counters and dining areas. The same QR code or app link must also be made available on restaurant websites and online food delivery platforms. Giving details about the platform, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has mentioned on its official website that "In order to secure National Food Safety and to bring each citizen onboard to share their concerns regarding food safety violations, this portal allows a consumer to share their concerns, know their rights, track Food Business Operators (FBOs) License/Registration Certificate authenticity and view related articles/videos on food safety." "As a consumer, one has certain rights with regard to the food and food products he purchases. He also has a redressal mechanism that helps him. All he has to do is to be aware and exercise his rights." "The Food Safety Connect Portal is available at external link. Consumers can post their comments through this web-based application or through mobile after downloading the 'Food Safety Connect' mobile app from the Google Play Store." This move aims to provide customers with a quick, easy, and transparent method to register grievances regarding food quality, packaging, hygiene, or misleading information. Complaints can include issues such as stale food, the presence of insects or fungus, incorrect labelling, or poor cleanliness. Once a customer scans the QR code, their complaint is automatically directed to the relevant regional FSSAI officials, ensuring faster resolution and accountability. The initiative empowers consumers to actively participate in monitoring food safety and encourages establishments to maintain higher standards.
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
FSSAI mandates display of ‘Food Safety Connect' App QR code at food premises
Aimed at safeguarding public health and strengthening the food safety ecosystem, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including restaurants, dhabas, cafes, and eateries, to display their FSSAI license/registration certificate with the QR code of Food Safety Connect app in areas visible to customers such as entrances, billing counters, or seating areas. 'This measure will empower consumers by providing them with a direct and user-friendly platform for grievance redressal,'' said a release issued by the FSSAI. Giving details about the move, the Authority added that it has made the QR code of the app available on the front page of the FSSAI Licence and Registration. The FBOs have also been asked to feature the QR code or a direct download link for the Food Safety Connect app on their digital assets, including websites and online ordering platforms, wherever applicable. In a nationwide advisory, all FBOs have been asked to display this in their premises. This is in compliance with the condition of License number 1 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Addressing consumer grievances The Food Safety Connect app, developed by theFSSAI, allows consumers to lodge complaints regarding food safety and hygiene issues, report misleading claims on food products, access basic information about licensed and registered FBOs and stay informed about FSSAI's latest food safety initiatives and alerts. Complaints lodged through the app are automatically routed to the concerned jurisdictional authority, which ensures prompt action and minimises delays in addressing consumer grievances.
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Business Standard
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
From scan-and-pay to scan-and-complain: FSSAI mandates QR code at eateries
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Friday said it has directed all food business operators (FBOs)—including restaurants, cafés, dhabas and eateries—to display their FSSAI licence or registration certificate along with a QR code linked to the Food Safety Connect App in visible areas of their premises. The app, according to FSSAI, enables consumers to lodge complaints about food safety and hygiene, report misleading claims on food products, access basic information about licensed and registered FBOs, and stay informed about FSSAI's latest food safety initiatives and alerts. According to FSSAI, the licence and QR code must be displayed in easily visible areas such as entrances, billing counters or seating sections. 'This measure is aimed at empowering consumers by providing them with a direct and user-friendly platform for grievance redressal,' FSSAI said in a statement. FSSAI mandates display of the 'Food Safety Connect' App QR Code at all food outlets- a move aimed at empowering consumers by providing them with a direct & user-friendly platform for grievance redressal. #FSSAIRelease @PIB_India @MoHFW_INDIA Read More - — FSSAI (@fssaiindia) August 1, 2025 'FSSAI has made the QR code of the Food Safety Connect App available on the front page of the FSSAI licence and registration. In a nationwide advisory, all FBOs have been asked to display this in their premises,' the regulator added. It also directed FBOs to incorporate the QR code into their digital platforms, including websites and food delivery channels, wherever applicable. The development comes just days after FSSAI warned e-commerce platforms of severe action if they fail to comply with food safety protocols. It directed 'all e-commerce entities to prominently display their FSSAI licence/registration numbers on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo provided to consumers'.
Mint
31-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
In a first, FSSAI app lets diners flag food safety issues via QR code at outlets
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a mobile application that allows consumers to interact with restaurants and eateries electronically and raise concerns about safety and hygiene, in a move that seeks to empower customers and promote transparency. In a communication dated 25 July, the food regulator mandates that food outlets, including restaurants, dhabas, cafes, and eateries, prominently display their FSSAI licenses and registrations with a quick response (QR) code linked to the Food Safety Connect app. This strategic placement is central to the FSSAI's communication, which mandates all food business operators (FBOs) to prominently display their licence or registration copy containing this QR code at key locations such as entrances or billing counters for customers to see easily. Mint has reviewed a copy of the communication, issued by Rakesh Kumar, director (regulatory compliance division) at FSSAI, to all food service establishments across the country. The app is designed to empower consumers with several key functionalities. Users can easily lodge complaints regarding food safety and hygiene issues. "The app allows consumers to report misleading claims made on food products. Consumers can access basic information about licensed/registered FBOs, promoting transparency. The app keeps users informed about food safety initiatives and alerts," according to the communication. Kumar emphasized the importance of this initiative, urging all FBOs to actively support the programme by ensuring wide visibility of the app's QR code within their establishments and actively promoting its use among customers. To facilitate this, FSSAI has provided the QR code to all FBOs. Kumar stated that the app's launch marks a proactive step by the FSSAI to enhance consumer participation in maintaining food quality and safety standards, fostering a more transparent and responsive food regulatory ecosystem across India. A critical feature of the app is its efficient complaint routing system. When a complaint is lodged through the app, it will automatically be directed to the concerned jurisdictional authority of the specific food business. This automation ensures prompt redressal and significantly minimizes delays in addressing food safety grievances, leading to faster resolutions and improved accountability. Right now, if a person has a complaint regarding food safety, they might approach the restaurant manager directly or take a food sample to a food safety wheel (a portable food testing laboratory) or other food testing laboratories located across the city. Beyond physical premises, the FSSAI is also encouraging FBOs to integrate the "Food Safety Connect" app's QR code or a direct download link onto their digital platforms, such as websites and online ordering portals, wherever applicable. This ensures a seamless experience for consumers engaging with businesses online.
Mint
13-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
FSSAI cracks down: Annual returns under scrutiny, FBOs warned of penalties
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its scrutiny of annual returns filed by food business operators (FBOs), issuing a stern warning of penalties for non-compliance and inaccurate data. In an order dated 6 July, seen by Mint, the food regulator highlighted the critical importance of accurate and complete information in these mandatory submissions. This move comes after an observation that many returns contained discrepancies, inconsistencies or false declarations. The directive, issued by Dr Satyen Kumar Panda, Executive Director (Compliance Strategy), emphasized that all licensing authorities are now required to strictly scrutinize annual returns submitted by eligible FBOs within their respective jurisdictions. This move aims to ensure accurate data for effective regulations, strengthen compliance accountability, address discrepancies and false declarations and leverage online system. The FSSAI had previously mandated online filing of annual returns for FY 2020-21 onwards exclusively through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) via an order issued on 18 December 2020. FoSCoS is the online platform developed by FSSAI for all aspects of food business licensing, registration, and compliance. It replaced the older Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). According to the FSSAI, while the submission rate has significantly improved, the recent order underscores a shift towards rigorous verification of the data provided. A crucial amendment in the current order, effective 8 January 2024, introduces a provision in FoSCoS for FBOs to revise or update already submitted annual returns to rectify inadvertent mistakes. The FSSAI stressed that "submission of accurate and complete information in the Annual Return is mandatory." The order further clarifies that "furnishing false or misleading information shall attract penalty under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006." This reminder aims to encourage timely correction of errors and deter deliberate misrepresentation, which will lead to penal action. The FSSAI has also advised FBOs to avail themselves of the revision/update facility at the earliest to ensure compliance. This move signals the authority's commitment to ensuring the integrity of food safety data and holding FBOs accountable for their submissions.
