Pune: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from next week will inspect and rate food business operators (FBO) in the Pune district under the Eat Right Challenge campaign, an initiative by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The FBOs will be inspected and trained to follow hygiene and food safety norms under the campaign, said officials. The initiative will have awareness activities and FBOs will be rated after inspection. Manufacturing units like dairy, dairy products, and food processing units will be covered under the campaign. Vegetable markets across the district will also be inspected during the special campaign.
Suresh Annapure, joint commissioner, of the Pune FDA region, said the initiative aims to ensure the effective implementation of the Food and Safety Act 2006, Rules, and Regulations 2011. “The campaign is not to penalize FBOs but to make them aware of food safety and hygiene norms. However, errant vendors will face action,” he said.
Certificates will be given to hotels after inspection and ratings, said officials. The campaign covering canteens in schools, colleges, and companies will continue till December. “A private agency has been engaged to provide manpower support to FDA officials for the mass initiative,” Annapurna said.
