Dr. Alka Rao makes landmark announcement at CASMB "Prerna" Women Empowerment Summit & 6th Foundation Day, Mumbai
Mumbai: Small and medium food business operators (MSMEs) will no longer need to renew their FSSAI licences — these licences will now remain valid for life. Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), made this historic announcement at the "Prerna" Women Empowerment Summit and 6th Foundation Day of CASMB, held in Mumbai.
This is part of a comprehensive regulatory reform drive aimed at reducing the compliance burden on MSMEs, which includes revised turnover thresholds, removal of dual compliance requirements, and introduction of risk-based inspection systems.
Dr. Alka Rao delivered a clear, in-depth, and forward-looking address on food processing industry policy. The MSME entrepreneurs present returned home reassured and energised about the new regulatory framework.
Regulatory Reforms for MSMEs — A New Chapter
Under the leadership of Shri Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, and the guidance of Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Chairperson, FSSAI and Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Authority is moving swiftly towards greater ease of doing business. Dr. Rao announced the following key reforms:
• FSSAI licences and registrations now valid for life — No renewal required; permanent solution to long-standing compliance challenges
• Revised turnover thresholds — Registration up to Rs.1.5 crore; State licence up to Rs.50 crore; Central licence beyond Rs.50 crore
• Removal of dual compliance requirements — Special benefit for small traders and street food vendors
• Risk-based inspection system — Transparent, efficient, and trust-based regulatory oversight
Special Measures for Startups and MSMEs
• Weekly interactive meetings for Food Business Operators (FBOs) — real-time guidance and query resolution
• Weekly-updated transparent approval tracker for non-specified foods
• Regular stakeholder consultations — improved ease of doing business
• Approval of recycled PET (rPET) for food contact use — supporting sustainability targets
FSSAI National Codex Contact Point Honoured
The FSSAI National Codex Contact Point (NCC) was conferred the CASMB National Award for Support to MSMEs in recognition of its sustained contribution to regulatory awareness among MSMEs.
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