The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an advisory on Sunday directing food business operators (FBOs) to handle, store and transport perishable food items such as khoa, paneer, meat and fish under controlled temperature conditions throughout the supply chain. The regulator aims to protect food safety and public health through these measures.

FSSAI said it had observed that some food businesses fail to maintain appropriate temperatures when handling, storing and transporting these perishable products.

These foods can develop harmful microbes and spoil quickly when businesses fail to maintain the prescribed temperatures.

“FSSAI issues an advisory on handling, storage, and transportation of perishable foods like khoa, paneer, meat, and fish under controlled temperature conditions throughout the supply chain,” the regulator said.

“FBOs must ensure strict adherence to hygiene and temperature standards,” it added.

The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, require food business operators to maintain prescribed temperatures at every stage of the supply chain, from procurement and sourcing to delivery to the end consumer. These requirements cover chilling, transportation, storage and distribution.

FSSAI warned that unsuitable temperatures can compromise food safety and threaten public health. The regulator also stated that such practices violate the hygiene and sanitary requirements under the regulations.

FSSAI directed all food business operators involved in manufacturing, packing, storing, transporting, distributing and selling these products to use clean, covered and hygienic vehicles suitable for food transportation. The regulator also instructed businesses to maintain prescribed temperatures throughout storage and transit.

FSSAI further instructed food operators to use food-grade packaging materials and suitable secondary packaging. It advised businesses to avoid gunny bags and other non-food-grade coverings that could compromise product safety.

Food businesses must also protect their products from dust, moisture, pests, physical damage and cross-contamination during storage, loading, unloading and transportation.

Additionally, operators must maintain proper consignment records and traceability details. They must also produce invoices and other relevant documents whenever the competent authority requests them.