Hotels and restaurants are the commonly known sources of non-home cooked food in the country. Since they are registered with the FSSAI and the local administration, these locations are easier to monitor and standardize. But the same cannot be said about home based food services like tifin providers, home bakers, chocolatiers, and other unregistered food businesses.
India witnessed a rise in the number of home kitchens and homemade food delivery outlets as the restaurants and food outlets had to close their doors during the covid-induced lockdown. These food businesses have became a preferred alternative for many seeking safe and homemade food.
However, as per a report new release, home-chefs who have not registered and got a license by the Food Safety Department, might have to pay a whooping fine of Rs. 5 Lakhs and face imprisonment for up to 6 months. The rules are as per the norms of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). According to FSSAI rules, restaurants doing business worth Rs. 12 Lakhs needs to have a licence and those earning less than that requires registration.
A poll was conducted in Guwahati Foodie, one of the largest and most active food communities of the region regarding this step. While a vast majority, around 66% of the voters said that it is a good step taken by the government, around 25% said that they were unhappy with this step.
The question on everyone’s mind right now is when will this rule be implemented in all the state. With 100s of such un-monitored business thriving in Guwahati alone, this step is going to effect a large section of both service providers and consumers.
(Feature image source: She the People)
