FSSAI to recognise more food hygiene audit agencies

Will help customers make an informed choice

On the behest of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Quality Council of India (QCI) has launched a scheme for approval of Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies to increase the number of recognised Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies for scaling up the Food Hygiene Rating across the country.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a certification system for businesses which supply food directly to consumers, whether on or off-premise. The basis of the rating of the food establishments in the country is the food safety and hygiene standards observed by them at the time of the audit.

The recognised Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies are responsible for the verification and compliance regarding the food hygiene and safety procedures laid by FSSAI. The food establishments should display a Food Hygiene Rating Certificate in the prominent consumer-facing area. It is in the form of smileys with a rating scale ranging from 1 to 5.

The aim of the scheme is to help consumers make an informed decision or choice regarding the food outlets at which they choose to eat. By increasing the number of Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies, more food establishments can be covered and verified concerning Food Hygiene Rating. This scheme applies to foodservice establishments such as restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, bakeries, sweet shops and meat retail stores at present.