The responsibility of a restaurant does not end with serving delicious food. From kitchen cleanliness to food quality, licenses and labels—everything has specific rules. A slight violation of that rule can sometimes result in a huge fine. According to the FSS Act, there is a provision of maximum fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for various types of food safety related irregularities. So how much fine can be imposed on any complaint?
Food business without license? Fine may be Rs 5 lakh
Necessary license or approval is very important in running a food business. According to the information given, running a food business without a valid license can result in a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. Before running a restaurant, sweet shop, fast food shop or any other food business, it is important to ensure that the necessary documents and license are in order.
Danger if you disobey officer's instructions
There is also a provision for punishment for disobeying any instructions given by the Food Safety Department official or giving wrong information. In case of such irregularities, a maximum fine of Rs 2 lakh can be imposed. If the required return is not submitted within the stipulated time, additional amount of license fee may be charged.
Have you found any foreign objects in your kitchen or food?
Keeping food preparation areas unclean is not only dangerous for the health of the customers but is also a serious matter in the eyes of the law. If food is prepared in unhygienic conditions or any unwanted foreign substance is found in the food, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh can be imposed. It is very important for food businessmen to maintain cleanliness of kitchen, hygiene rules of employees and proper system of food storage.
Fine up to Rs 5 lakh for selling low quality food
There are strict rules regarding food standards. If the allegation of selling food of inferior quality compared to the prescribed standard is proved, a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh can be imposed. During the inspection of the Food Safety Department, food samples can be collected and sent to the laboratory. If irregularities are found in the test report, legal action may be taken against the concerned businessman.
Heavy penalty for wrong or misleading labels
There are also rules regarding providing incorrect, incomplete or misleading information on food packets or products. Using such labels can result in a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh. Especially in the case of packaged food and sweets, it is important to follow the rules related to the date of production, other necessary information and labels.
Maximum penalty of Rs 10 lakh in case of false advertisement!
Giving flashy but misleading or false advertisements regarding the quality of food products poses a greater danger to traders. According to the given information, such allegation can lead to a maximum fine of Rs 10 lakh. To attract the buyer, no such claim will be made regarding the quality or features of the food, which is not consistent with the actual information.
More stringent measures regarding harmful water
The issue of mixing harmful chemicals or storing such ingredients in food is considered very serious. Because it can have a direct impact on the health of common people. If a person becomes ill after eating অনিরাপাদ food, depending on the severity of the situation, there may be a provision for punishment like imprisonment in addition to fine. In case of grievous bodily harm the punishment may be more severe.
Punishment may increase if you make the same mistake again and again
If similar irregularities occur again, the matter cannot be resolved with just a one-time fine. According to the information given, in case of repeat offenders, strict action can be taken like additional fine of up to Rs 1 lakh per day and cancellation of food business license. Even after being warned, if similar irregularities continue, the risk for traders increases further.
Sweet shop transformed from restaurant to administration
To protect public health, inspection campaign of Food Safety Department is going on in various areas. The cleanliness and quality of food is being tested in various food business establishments including restaurant kitchens, sweet shops, fast food stalls. In the case of sweets, steps like mentioning the date of manufacture and collecting food samples and sending them to the laboratory are being taken, it is mentioned in the given information.
If restaurants, sweet shops or any other food business do not follow the rules, they can face a fine of Rs. Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act)-Under this there are many rules related to licensing, food standards, health rules, labels and advertising. Know how much penalty can be imposed for any irregularity.