Major Update

The Food Safety Department has invited food business operators (FBOs) in Coimbatore district to apply for a state-level award that recognises best practices in reducing the use of single-use plastic and other plastic materials banned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The initiative, launched by the Tamil Nadu government, aims to promote eco-friendly and sustainable operations in the food sector.

Cash Prizes for Small and Large Businesses

The award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh for FBOs with an annual turnover above ₹12 lakh. Smaller food businesses—including push carts and roadside eateries—with a turnover below ₹12 lakh can win a prize of ₹50,000. The scheme aims to encourage both large and small food outlets to shift away from the use of banned plastics and adopt safer alternatives. Interested FBOs must submit their applications to the office of the Designated Officer (DO) of FSSAI at Race Course, Coimbatore. The deadline for submission is the end of August.

Evaluation Process Involves Field Audits

A district-level committee, headed by the District Collector and including the DO, will review the applications. The committee will assign a third-party audit agency to carry out field inspections of shortlisted businesses. After the site visits, the district committee will recommend selected entries to the Commissioner of Food Safety in Chennai. A State-level committee will then review the nominations and select one winner in each of the two turnover categories for every district in Tamil Nadu. The winners will be recognised for their commitment to sustainable food practices and efforts to reduce banned plastic.

Source: The Hindu