In a first, FSSAI app leaves dinners food safety problems via QR code at outlets | Today news

New -Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority and Standards of India (FSSAI) have launched a mobile application that allows consumers to interact electronically with restaurants and eateries and raise concerns about safety and hygiene, in a move that wants to empower and promote clients. In a July 25 communications, the food regulator instructed food stores, including restaurants, Dhabas, cafes and eateries, their FSSAI licenses and registrations prominently displayed with a quick response (QR) linked to the Food Safety Connect app. This strategic placement is central to the communication of the FSSAI, which instructs all Food Enterprises (FBOs) to prominently display their license or registration copy containing this QR code, on key locations such as entrances or billing kicks for customers to see easily. Mint has reviewed a copy of the communications, issued by Rakesh Kumar, director (Regulatory Compliance) Division at FSSAI, to all food service institutions across the country. Consumer empowerment The app is designed to empower consumers with several important features. Users can easily submit complaints regarding food safety and hygiene problems. “The app enables consumers to report misleading claims made on food products. Consumers can access basic information on licensed/registered FBOs, which promotes transparency. The app keeps users informed of food safety initiatives and warnings,” according to communication. Kumar emphasizes the importance of this initiative, and requests all FBAs to actively support the program by securing a wide visibility of the app’s QR code within their businesses and actively promoting its use among customers. To facilitate this, FSSAI provided the QR code to all FBOs. Kumar said the launch of the app is a proactive step through the FSSAI to increase the participation of consumers in maintaining food quality and safety standards, promoting a more transparent and responding food regulatory ecosystem in India. A critical feature of the app is the effective complaint -raw system. If a complaint is filed by the app, it will automatically be addressed to the jurisdictional authority of the specific food business. This automation ensures rapid correction and significantly reduces the delays in the approach to food safety grievances, resulting in faster resolutions and improved accountability. At the moment, if someone has a complaint about food safety, they can approach the restaurant manager directly or take a food sample to a food safety wheel (a portable lab for food testing) or other labs for food tests across the city. Apart from the physical premises, the FSSAI also encourages FBOs to integrate the QR code ‘Food Safety Connect’ or a direct download link on their digital platforms, such as websites and online ordering portals, where applicable. This ensures a seamless experience for consumers who work online with businesses.