FSSAI launches Food Safety Connect app to bring consumers, vendors, startups on one platform

In what will come as a big development for food businesses, especially startups, hawkers and vendors, India's food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an mobile app. The intent is to help food business operators (FBOs) to improve their connect with consumers. It is called Food Safety Connect. The app will help them to apply for FSSAI registration, which is expected to become much faster and hassle free for all concerned - every food business must obtain FSSAI licence or registration prior to commencing the business, which is something that is mandated by the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. The app is available or downloading on Google Play Store. This was revealed by the FSSAI in a statement.

The app will help bring lakhs of India's unorganised food businesses on the tech platform and facilitate them to take advantage of the massive expansion into the digital realm that India is currently experiencing, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, which forced almost every business to go online. Further, Food Businesses are expected to encourage every food handler in their premises/ manufacturing units to download the app and stay updated.

What the FSSAI app provides

The app provides basic information regarding eligibility criteria. In short all the information that businesses need will be made easily available. From FAQs related to rules, licensing, registration to other compliances. Also available will be resource material that lists notified laboratories for food testing, inspection checklists, product standards, list of Food Safety Mitras, training through FoSTaC, guidance documents etc.

A knowledge hub for citizens is also present on the Food Safety Connect app. This has videos, myth busters, books and other guidance documents relevant that has all the information required for the public regarding safe and healthy eating practices. This app can also be used as a mechanism for consumers to easily verify FSSAI license or registration on any food packet.

Another important public welfare feature that is on the Food Safety Connect app is regarding the grievance redressal mechanism. Consumers can now lodge their grievances related to any food safety matters on the app too.

To promote the use of the Food Safety Connect app in as many related businesses and members of the public as possible, FSSAI is sensitizing stakeholders, including training and audit partners and Food Safety Mitras.