FSSAI advisory mandates temperature-controlled transport of perishable foods like khoa, paneer, meat and fish

Key facts

• Food regulator FSSAI issued an advisory directing food business operators (FBOs) to handle, store and transport perishable foods such as khoa, paneer, meat and fish under controlled temperature conditions throughout the supply chain.
• The advisory was issued under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, and FBOs must maintain prescribed temperatures from procurement to delivery to the end consumer.
• FSSAI directed FBOs to use clean, covered and hygienic vehicles, food-grade packaging, and to protect products from dust, moisture, pests, damage and cross-contamination, while maintaining records and traceability of consignments.
• State food safety commissioners, Indian Railways and FSSAI Regional Directors have been asked to ensure strict vigilance, with powers to seize and destroy non-compliant food items.