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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a fresh directive to all Food Business Operators (FBOs), stressing the importance of accuracy in their annual return submissions.

The regulator warned that providing false or misleading data would result in strict punitive action under existing food safety laws, reported ANI.

In a communication dated 7 July, addressed to state and union territory food safety units, the FSSAI highlighted that it is mandatory for all eligible FBOs to submit complete and correct information through the designated FoSCoS online platform. “All FBOs eligible for filing Annual Return are hereby reminded that submission of accurate and complete information in the Annual Return is mandatory. In cases where any correction or update is required, FBOs are advised to avail the revision/update facility at the earliest as per the timelines and fee structure prescribed in the said order,” the authority said.

Annual Returns Under Increased Scrutiny

The submission of online annual returns became compulsory from 2020-21 onwards when the FSSAI mandated digital filing through the FoSCoS system. According to the regulator, this move has resulted in improved compliance levels. The returns include essential production details as well as some voluntary compliance-related disclosures.

FSSAI has directed all Licensing Authorities to rigorously verify the information submitted by FBOs operating within their jurisdiction. “It is further reiterated that furnishing false or misleading information shall attract penalty under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006; therefore, timely correction of errors is essential to avoid penal action,” the July 7 notice added.

Option to Amend Submissions Now Available

In a bid to facilitate honest disclosures, the FSSAI introduced a provision in January 2024 allowing FBOs to revise or update previously submitted returns to correct inadvertent errors. The regulator has encouraged FBOs to make use of this facility within the prescribed timeline to avoid unnecessary legal consequences.

The FSSAI reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable food safety system, stating on X that, “Compliance with requirements is paramount for [a] safe food ecosystem.”