Food License Backlog in Ranchi

In Ranchi, approximately 300 food license applications have been pending for over three months, with 100 of these applications coming from suppliers earning less than Rs 12 lakh annually. This delay is causing significant challenges for local vendors. Arvind Kumar, Additional Chief Medical Officer, noted that Ranchi currently has only one Food Safety Officer (FSO), even though the city requires at least four or five. The FSO oversees food safety, conducting inspections, and processing licenses.

FSSAI Guidelines and Delays

Under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines, food licenses should be issued within 60 days. Normally, applicants receive approval or processing notifications within a week. However, FSO Subir Ranjan explained that delays have occurred due to the staff shortage. The licensing process includes thorough inspections of food safety standards, cleanliness, and storage practices, ensuring that vendors comply with the necessary regulations before they receive approval.

Vendors Facing Delays

Amrit Kumar, who runs a small restaurant in Lalpur, expressed his frustration: “I’ve been waiting for my license for a month. My business depends on it.” He emphasized the serious consequences that delays in obtaining the license can have for vendors. Timely licensing is essential for businesses, as non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can result in fines of up to Rs 10 lakh. Vendors are under pressure to obtain their licenses to avoid such penalties. FSO Subir Ranjan reassured that efforts are underway to expedite the process, stating, “We are processing around 50 licenses each day,” and acknowledged their ongoing efforts to tackle the backlog.

Concerns Over Food Safety in Ranchi

While businesses struggle with licensing delays, food safety in Ranchi appears to be worsening. Many street vendors claim they have never been inspected. Pawan Munda, a tea vendor on Kutchery Road, stated, “No one has ever checked my stall or asked about my food license.” The lack of monitoring, combined with the delays in licensing, raises serious concerns about food safety in the region.

Source: Times of India