Recognition Scheme for Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies

Recognition Scheme for Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health

In news

• Quality Council of India (QCI) at the behest of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has come out with a Scheme for approval of Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies to scale up Hygiene Rating by increasing the number of recognised Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies in the country.

Key takeaways

• FSSAI’s initiative of ‘Food Hygiene Rating Scheme’ is a certification system for food businesses supplying food directly to consumers, either on or off premise.
• The food establishments are rated based on food hygiene and safety conditions observed at the time of audit.
• The hygiene rating will be in the form of smileys (1 up to 5) and the certificate should be displayed prominently in the consumer facing area.
• Aim: To allow consumers to make informed choices pertaining to the food outlets where they eat by encouraging food businesses to improve their hygiene and safety standards.
• The recognised Hygiene Rating Audit Agency will verify the compliance with food hygiene and safety procedures laid by FSSAI.

Important value additions

Quality Council of India (QCI)

• Set up: 1997 
• Established jointly by: The Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations i.e. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
• Ministry: The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Objective: To establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National Quality Campaign.