Govt asks dept canteens to obtain FSSAI licences

Citing rules, the Personnel Ministry said all departmental canteens were required to comply with the statutory framework for manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale of food so as to ensure its safety.

“All departmental canteens, tiffin rooms, etc, housed in various offices of Central government, are accordingly required to obtain licences to be able to continue to manufacture and sell food,” it said.

It is the responsibility of respective managing committees to register or obtain licence under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. 

The officers concerned may get in touch with the FSSAI for the implementation of Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, the Ministry said in an order issued to all Central government departments.

As per the Act, no person shall commence or carry on any food business except under a licence.

At present, 1,352 registered canteens and tiffin rooms are functioning in various offices of the Central government, all over India.