Report

Chennai’s Food Safety Department has instructed food business operators (FBOs) to stop using non-food-grade plastics for food packaging, citing violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The department warned of strict action against offenders.

FBOs Directed to Comply with Packaging Standards

P. Satheesh Kumar, the Designated Officer of the Food Safety Department in Chennai, notified the president and secretary of the Chennai Hotel Association that wrapping or packing food with non-food-grade plastics is prohibited. He emphasized that FBOs must avoid non-biodegradable materials for packaging food, tea, or coffee and instead use materials approved under food safety standards.

Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance

A circular from the Commissioner of Food Safety outlined penalties for violations. Inspectors may impose fines of ₹2,000 for a first offence, ₹5,000 for a second, and ₹10,000 for a third. Persistent breaches could lead to the cancellation of the FBO’s registration certificate, with further action under the Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules, 2011.

Source: The Hindu