UGC asks varsity canteens, messes to have licence under Food Safety

Noting that canteens and messes in educational institutions are not licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked varsities and colleges to ensure that rules in this regard are complied with.
According to a PTI report: In a letter to vice-chancellors of universities, UGC Secretary Jaspal S Sandhu said it has been noted that canteens, messes and other food establishments located in various educational institutions have not been licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
“You are requested to kindly ensure the implementation of the FSS Act, 2006 in food establishments of your esteemed university and in all the affiliated colleges,” he was quoted by PTI as saying.
The Food Safety and Standards Act provides the framework for regulating manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of food items so as to ensure its safety.
“…the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 stipulates that no person shall commence any food business unless he possesses a valid licence,” the senior UGC official was quoted by PTI as saying.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) would also organise training of food handlers working in food establishments of the educational institutions to provide safe and wholesome food to the students, Sandhu said.