The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory directing Food Business Operators (FBOs) to use only food-grade and corrosion-resistant knives, blades, and cutting equipment. The advisory aims to prevent food contamination, strengthen hygiene practices, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations by eliminating the use of rusted, damaged, or unsuitable equipment in food handling operations.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory emphasizing the mandatory use of food-grade and corrosion-resistant knives, blades, and other cutting equipment by Food Business Operators (FBOs). The advisory has been issued in line with the hygienic and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
FSSAI observed that some food businesses continue to use rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged, or inadequately maintained cutting equipment, which may lead to physical, chemical, or microbiological contamination of food.
Key directions for FBOs include:
- Use only food-grade and corrosion-resistant cutting equipment.
- Ensure equipment remains free from rust, cracks, corrosion, paint, and damage.
- Immediately replace unsuitable or defective knives and blades.
- Implement regular cleaning, sanitization, and sterilization procedures.
State food safety authorities and FSSAI officials have been instructed to strengthen inspections and ensure compliance. Non-compliance may attract action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.