New Delhi: Acting on complaints from food business operators over alleged unauthorised inspections, Delhi Food Safety Department has directed its officers not to inspect restaurants, eateries or other food premises without written approval from the Food Safety Commissioner (FSC). An order dated Dec 23 — issued following multiple representations from food business operators and members of the public — states that inspections will now be conducted only on a case-to-case basis through need-based orders from the FSC. Food safety officers will no longer be attached to specific districts.
The order clearly states that no deputy commissioner, designated officer or food safety officer is permitted to visit any food business premises without a written inspection order, warning that unauthorised visits will invite strict action. Food safety commissioner JK Jain said the order has been issued as per the FSSAI guidelines. An official said the move aims to curb the alleged misuse of powers and address long-standing complaints of arbitrary inspections, while improving accountability and allowing the department to focus on genuine food safety concerns.
