Even as the authorities have said they are committed to implement the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 (FSSA) in the district, many applicants have complained about the shortage of staff at the office of the district food inspector.

FSSA makes it mandatory for all those related to food business to get registered with the district administration. But they are running from pillar to post to get licences.

Those dealing in food business that includes restaurants, food chains and even chemists with a turnover of R12 lakh have to get a licence for selling edible products under the Act, while those with less than Rs 12 lakh turnover have to register themselves with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“I have visited the office of the food inspector three times but never found anybody there. They want our business to be registered, but they do not have enough staff to deal with the situation,” said applicant Puneet Sharma (name changed).

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The Expert’s Thought: Staff Scarcity will overburden the current employees and reduce their output. At the same time, they would find hard to implement the new law if the scarcity persists. The Staff Selection commission should intervene in the matter  for more recruitment.