The apex food regulator, FSSAI, has decided to extend the timeline for submission of annual returns by FBOs mandated under the FSS Act until July 2020.

The annual returns to be submitted to the FSSAI hold information like volume of the product, sale price per unit and exported quantity.

In this regard, the FSSAI has issued an order saying, “Considering the difficulties faced by the FBOs in submission of annual/half yearly returns during the lockdown in the country due to Covid-19 pandemic, it has been decided to extend the timeline for submission of annual returns for FY 2019-20 and half yearly returns for October 2019-March 2020 until July 31, 2020.”

Further, a senior official with the FSSAI informed that according to the FSS Act, as per clause 2.1.13 and condition of licence in Annexure 2 of Schedule 2 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, all licenced food businesses involved in manufacturing, processing including importers are required to submit annual returns of their food businesses for every preceding year by May 31.

Also, the FBOs involved in manufacturing, processing of milk and milk products are required to submit half-yearly returns within one month of the end of the preceding half year to the concerned licensing authority.

The decision has been taken considering the difficulties due to the prevailing conditions of lockdown in view of Covid- 19 pandemic. The decision is part of the measures taken by the FSSAI to help the FBOs in such a trying time, according to the official.