FSSAI launches 'Food Safety Connect' for ease of doing business

To improve connection with consumers and Food Business Operators (FBOs), India's Food Safety and Standards Authority has recently launched a mobile application called 'Food Safety Connect'. This mobile interface will facilitate food businesses to apply for FSSAI registration through a faster and convenient mode.

The Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 mandates that every food business is required to obtain an FSSAI license or registration before commencing the business. India has a large segment of unorganized food businesses that are not much conversant with the tech-based platforms. With the launch of FSSAI's Food Connect Mobile App, it will be easier for food businesses, particularly petty hawkers, vendors and start-ups, to file an application for FSSAI registration by simply using their smartphones. This newly launched mobile application will also provide information regarding eligibility criteria, FAQs on the procedures related to Licensing and Registration; Regulations and other compliances for the food businesses. FBOs can also access resource material pertaining to the list of notified laboratories for food testing, inspection checklists, product standards, list of Food Safety Mitras, training through FoSTaC, guidance documents etc.

The new application aims to bridge the communication gap with consumers and provide a resource hub for them to stay aware and updated about FSSAI's key activities. They can access knowledge hub for citizens such as informatory videos, myth busters, books and other guidance documents relevant to citizens to know about safe and healthy eating practices. Further, this app will be used as a mechanism for consumers to verify FSSAI license or registration on any food packet easily. Consumers can even lodge their grievances related to any food safety matters through the app.

To increase usage of this application, FSSAI is sensitizing various stakeholders, including training and audit partners and Food Safety Mitras, to promote mobile app usage amongst food businesses. Further, Food Businesses are expected to encourage every food handler in their premises or manufacturing units to download the app and stay updated.

Users can download this Mobile App from Google Play Store to stay updated with FSSAI news, important notifications or orders or advisories, events, initiatives and other resource materials.