FSSAI Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is an online, transparent scoring and rating process which aims to allow consumers to make informed choices about the places where they eat out & through these choices, encourage businesses to improve their hygiene standards & thus reduce the incidence of food-borne illness. This Hygiene rating concept is new in India, but has parallels in many countries across the globe. Every country has its own terminologies which explain the idea of ensuring safe and hygienic food in all catering businesses to the general public. Some of the well-known schemes already in place are "Food Hygiene Rating Scheme" (FHRS) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, "Scores on Doors" a star rating scheme in Australia, etc.
A roll out of hygiene ratings will not only be for the good of all consumers, but will also be instrumental in changing perceptions of Indian Food sector across the globe. It can increase investor confidence in the regulatory environment and hence attract more funding in this sector. By creating awareness amongst the consumers and food business owners (FBO), it will improve quality of food supply and increase demand as well. Both, size of pie and share for all food players will expand.
Many avoidable illnesses due to food and water contamination will be contained, creating great economic value due to less downtime of the workforce and reduced hospital bills.
The ratings system will be implemented in 2 parts:
Hygiene ratings - which will score and rate the FBO on meeting basic requirements ensuring good hygiene practices for all processes including handling raw material, maintaining clean premises, storing food etc.
Hygiene ratings + (Also known as "Responsible place to eat") - Its compliance will enhance the FBO's scope and responsibility towards providing safe and nutritious food to a larger community. They will be motivated to taking care of their employees, the underprivileged and also serving the customer beyond the mandatory, by making them aware of healthy choices and giving them access to such options.
Current Mandatory Requirements:
Qualified FBOs need to have FSSAI License/ Registration and follow schedule 4 requirements. This aims to provide for adequate measures that are to be adopted to ensure that food being served to the consumers is of good quality and safe to eat.
Train all food handlers and appoint a certified Food Safety Supervisors. Access FSS training portal "FOSTAC" to get more information.
Must have Food Safety Display Boards prominently displayed in the premises.
Get food samples tested periodically.
Enrolling in Hygiene Ratings Scheme:
Log in using your Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) credentials at: www.fssai.gov.in/hygieneRating/login
Follow Guidelines and complete self-assessment
Generate "hygiene rating" or enroll for "Responsible place to eat"
Print self-assessment ratings certificate online.
5 Verification of ratings will be done by a FSO (Food Safety officer " from FSSAI, through an inspection.
Post Inspection, FBO can generate the verified(signed) rating certificate.
Enroll for "Responsible place to eat" if above ratings score is 4 (Good) or more.
