Question : Complaints against Sub-standard Food Items

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the number of complaints received regarding the sale of stale junk food in restaurant chains during each of the last three years;

(b) whether the Government regulates the sale of food facilitated by online aggregators in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of number of manufacturers who have been convicted due to production and sale of sub-standard food items in the country during the said period; and

(d) the measures being taken by the Government to regulate food restaurants?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) &(c): The implementation and enforcement of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations made thereunder primarily rests with State/UT Governments. A statement giving details of food samples analyzed, found non-conforming and action taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs) for the last three years is provided at Annexure.
(b): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has formulated guidelines for operations of E-Commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) and the same have been operationalized by FSSAI. The responsibilities of FBO and E-Commerce aggregators, handling of consumer concerns, recall of products etc. are also specified in the guidelines.
(d): FSSAI has issued revised ‘General Requirements on Hygienic and Sanitary Practices’ to be followed by all Food Business Operators engaged in catering or food service operations. These have been operationalised and are required to be followed by all such establishments. In cases of non-compliance, penal action is initiated against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per provisions of FSS Act, Rules and Regulations made there under.
FSSAI has introduced Food Safety Display Boards (FSDBs) for various food businesses including catering sector. These Boards not only display the FSSAI registration/license number, but also convey to the consumers about the appropriate food safety and hygiene practices to be followed by the Food Business Operators (FBOs) in their establishments. They further provide consumers with contact numbers for feedback, queries and complaints. FSDB for the catering sector has been made mandatory.Training on Hygiene and sanitary practices is being provided to food safety supervisors of food establishments.