FSSAI Directs Food Businesses To Ensure Temperature-Controlled Transport For Perishables

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food business operators (FBOs) to ensure temperature-controlled storage and transportation of perishable food products, including paneer, khoa, meat and fish, throughout the supply chain to protect public health.

In an advisory issued on Sunday, October 18, the food regulator stressed that these products must be handled under prescribed temperature conditions, from procurement and sourcing to delivery to consumers. It also asked state food safety officials to maintain strict vigilance and initiate action against businesses that violate food safety requirements.

FSSAI said it had received reports that perishable food commodities were sometimes being handled, stored or transported without appropriate temperature controls. Such products are particularly vulnerable to microbial growth and spoilage when exposed to unsuitable temperatures, potentially compromising food safety.

The regulator noted that Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, lays down the hygiene and sanitary requirements that food businesses must follow. Maintaining prescribed temperatures throughout the supply chain is also a condition of their licences.

FSSAI warned that exposing perishable food to unsuitable temperatures could adversely affect food safety and public health and amount to non-compliance with hygiene and sanitation requirements.

The advisory directs businesses involved in the manufacture, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of these products to strictly follow the applicable regulations.

Food businesses have been instructed to use only clean, covered and hygienic vehicles suitable for transporting food. They must maintain prescribed temperatures during storage and transit and use food-grade packaging materials along with suitable secondary packaging.

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

Additionally, operators must maintain appropriate records and ensure consignment traceability, including invoices and other relevant documents, to help establish the movement of products through the supply chain.

FSSAI has urged state commissioners of food safety, Indian Railways and its regional directors to instruct the relevant licensing authorities and food safety officers to step up inspections and transportation checks.

Authorities have been asked to ensure strict compliance with food safety laws, with appropriate action, including the seizure and destruction of food items, possible in cases of non-compliance.