Paneer to meat: FSSAI tightens watch on how perishable foods are transported

Food safety regulator FSSAI has directed food businesses to maintain prescribed temperatures during handling, storage and transportation of perishable food items, warning that violations could lead to seizure and destruction of products.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in an advisory, said perishable food items such as khoa, paneer, meat and fish were sometimes not handled, stored or transported under appropriate temperature conditions, making them highly susceptible to microbial growth and spoilage.

The regulator said food business operators (FBOs) must maintain prescribed temperatures throughout the supply chain, from procurement and sourcing to delivery to the end consumer, including during chilling, transportation, storage and distribution.

"Subjecting these food products to temperature abuse may adversely affect food safety and public health," the advisory said.

The FSSAI has directed businesses involved in the manufacture, packing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of these commodities to transport them only in clean, covered and hygienic vehicles suitable for carrying food.

They must also use food-grade packaging and suitable secondary packaging materials. Packing or transporting products in gunny bags or other non-food-grade coverings that could compromise product safety should be avoided, it said.

The regulator further directed businesses to protect food products from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage and cross-contamination during storage, loading, unloading and transportation.

FBOs have also been asked to maintain appropriate records and traceability of consignments and produce invoices or other relevant documents whenever demanded by the competent authority.

According to the advisory, commissioners of food safety in all states and Union Territories, Indian Railways and FSSAI regional directors have been asked to ensure that licensing authorities and food safety officers maintain strict vigilance during inspections and transportation checks.

"Appropriate action including seizure and destruction may be initiated in cases of non-compliance," the regulator said.