File returns by May 31, food business operators told

PUNE: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has directed all licenced food business operators having an annual turnover of Rs 12 lakh and above to submit their annual returns by May 31, failing which, a fine of Rs 100 per day will be levied. "For the first time food business operators have been asked to submit annual returns of their transactions made till March-end since the new Food Safety and Standards Act came into force in August 2011. This will help us understand the financial potential of the food industry and also help rein in hidden transactions made in food businesses," said Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (food), FDA, Pune. There are over 9,000 licensed food business operators in the city with an annual turnover of Rs 12 lakh and above. They include food manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, recyclers, processors, transporters, restaurants, hotels and catering business operators.
"As per the Food Safety and Standards Act and Regulations 2011 (licensing and registration), the business operators have to submit the returns in the particular format (form D-1). Only owners of milk businesses have been asked to submit the returns in half yearly format as given in form D-2," said Dilip Sangat, assistant commissioner (food), FDA, Pune.
"FDA has decided to impose a fine of Rs 100 per day for delay in submitting the annual returns," Sangat said. The forms are available for free at the FDA office in the city. People can also log into www.fssai.gov.in and download forms.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com