Basic Food Safety Handbook /

Manual for Food

Manufacturers, Processors and
Packers

Disclaimer: The content of this handbook/ manual is only for training and capacity
building purpose, and is not intended to substitute applicable law, which may be
referred to separately.
CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE MANUAL 3

LEARNING OUTCOME 3

WHAT THE LAW SAYS 3

General Requirement
Legal compliance
Management responsibility
FSMS System

PART I– INTRODUCTION TO FOOD SAFETY 5

Food safety and food safety hazards
Food spoilage

PART II – PERSONAL HYGIENE 13

Health status
Behavioural and personal cleanliness
Visitors

PART III – FOOD OPERATION & CONTROL 28

PART IV – PACKAGING AND DISTRIBUTION 39

Welcome to the manual –
Scope: The manual is designed for Food Business Operators small, medium and large
scale food manufacturers, processors and packers.

This manual explains basic food safety and hygiene conditions to be followed by all the
above entities in relation to all food, in consonance with the Act, including at the design
stage as also at operational stage by individuals being Food Handlers.

Learning Outcome –
The desired learning outcome of this manual is better understanding of food safety and
hygiene requirements and high standards of food safety in the food industry.

What the law says –

Section 16 (3) (h) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 states that “The Food
Authority shall provide whether within or outside their area, training programmes in
food safety and standards for persons who are or intend to become involved in food
businesses, whether as food business operators or employees or otherwise”.

The establishment in which food is handled, processed and packed, by the food business
operator and the persons handling them should conform to the sanitary and hygienic
requirements, and food safety measures as specified below. It shall also be deemed to
be the responsibility of the food business operator to ensure adherence to necessary
requirements.

In addition to the requirements specified below, the food business operator shall
identify steps in the activities of food businesses, which are critical to ensure food
safety, and ensure that safety procedures are identified, implemented, maintained and
reviewed periodically.

In India, the mandatory sanitary and hygiene requirements for food business operators
are –
“Part II of Schedule 4”of Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food
Businesses) Regulations, 2011 (http://www.fssai.gov.in/home/fss-legislation/fss-
regulations.html) under Food Safety & Standard Act, 2006
(http://www.fssai.gov.in/home/fss-legislation/food-safety-and-standards-act.html)

Definitions –
(Taken from the Act mentioned below)

“Act” means the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

“Rules” means the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.

“Adulterant” means any material which is or could be employed for making the food
unsafe or sub-standard or misbranded or containing extraneous matter.

“Consumer” means persons and families purchasing and receiving food in order to meet
their personal needs.

“Contaminant” means any substance, whether or not added to food, but which is
present in such food as a result of the production (including operations carried out in
crop husbandry, animal husbandry or veterinary medicine), manufacture, processing,
preparation, treatment, packing, packaging, transport or holding of such food or as a
result of environmental contamination and does not include insect fragments, rodent
hairs and other extraneous matter;

“Food” means any substance, whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed,

which is intended for human consumption and includes primary food to the extent
defined in clause (zk), genetically modified or engineered food or food containing such
ingredients, infant food, packaged drinking water, alcoholic drink, chewing gum, and any
substance, including water used into the food during its manufacture, preparation or
treatment but does not include any animal feed, live animals unless they are prepared
or processed for placing on the market for human consumption, plants, prior to
harvesting, drugs and medicinal products, cosmetics, narcotic or psychotropic
substances :

“Food Authority” means the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India established
under section 4;

“Food business” means any undertaking, whether for profit or not and whether public
or private, carrying out any of the activities related to any stage of manufacture,
processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution of food, import and includes
food services, catering services, sale of food or food ingredients;
“Food business operator” in relation to food business means a person by whom the
business is carried on or owned and is responsible for ensuring the compliance of this
Act, rules and regulations made thereunder

“Hazard” means a biological, chemical or physical agent in, or condition of, food with
the potential to cause an adverse health effect;

“Food safety” means assurance that food is acceptable for human consumption
according to its intended use;

“Food safety audit” means a systematic and functionally independent examination of

food safety measures adopted by manufacturing units to determine whether such
measures and related results meet with objectives of food safety and the claims made in
that behalf;

“Food Safety Management System (FSMS)”means the adoption Good Manufacturing

Practices, Good Hygienic Practices, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point and such
other practices as may be specified by regulation, for the food business;

“Manufacture” means a process or adoption or any treatment for conversion of

ingredients into an article of food, which includes any sub-process, incidental or
ancillary to the manufacture of an article of food;

“Manufacturer ”means a person engaged in the business of manufacturing any article

of food for sale and includes any person who obtains such article from another person
and packs and labels it for sale or only labels it for such purposes;

“Package” means a pre-packed box, bottle, casket, tin, barrel, case, pouch, receptacle,
sack, bag, wrapper or such other things in which an article of food is packed.
PART I
INTRODUCTION
TO
FOOD SAFETY
Food Safety & Food Safety
Hazards
Food spoilage
 FOOD SAFETY& FOOD SAFETY HAZARDS
Basics in relation to certain hazards

Food Safety Hazard means biological, chemical or physical agent in food, or

condition of food, with the potential to cause an adverse health effect. There are
majorly four types of hazards -

Physical

Food
Hazards

Chemical Biological

1. Physical Hazards
Any foreign object (inanimate) found in the food or a naturally occurring object (metal,
hard plastic), that can cause a food borne illness is called a ‘Physical Hazard’.

Common Physical Hazards include:

- Glass
- Chipped pieces from equipment
- Metal shavings from cans and foils
- Stapler pins
- Blades
- Plastic or chipped pieces of disposables
- Lint and threads
- Band- aids
- Hair
- Finger nails
- Jewellery pieces
 - Insects and other pests

2. Chemical Hazards
Naturally occurring and process- induced chemical substances that can cause a food
borne illness are called a ‘Chemical Hazard’.

Natural Chemical Contaminants include:

- Mycotoxins

Process Induced Chemical Contaminants include:

- Toxic metals in the processing set up or supply chain
- Pesticides, Colorants
- Cleansing products and sanitizers
- Equipment lubricants
- Chemical Food Additives, Preservatives
- Packaging materials-migration of residues from packaging material to oil.
- Adulteration with other oils or mineral oil

3. Biological Hazards
Biological hazards are organisms, or substances produced by organisms, that pose a
threat to human health. They are a major concern in food processing because they
cause most food borne illness outbreaks.

Major biological hazards include –

- Bacteria ex: Salmonella spp., Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Listeria
monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum,
- Yeast &Mold ex: Candida, Aspergillus sp, Helicosporium

Biological Hazards cause the following -

1. Food Borne Infections–This occurs when a person consumes food containing
pathogens; which grow in the human intestine and cause discomfort or disease.
Typical symptoms of a ‘food borne infection’ do not appear immediately.
2. Food Borne Intoxications - This occurs when a person consumes food containing
toxins in it; that cause discomfort or disease. Typical symptoms of a ‘food borne
Intoxication’ appear quickly. Food Borne toxin are mediated infections, that
result when a person consumes food containing toxins produced by the
 pathogens in it; which grow in the human intestine and produce toxins that
cause discomfort or disease.

4. Physical-Biological Hazard
These are the hazards coming from biological creatures like flies, worms, cockroaches’
weevils, caterpillars and so on, whether in live or dead form.

Conditions favouring growth of Microorganisms

Easy to remember: “FAT TOM”

Conditions Definition
Food Food borne Microorganisms draw nutrients from Potentially
hazardous foods
Acidity Food borne Microorganisms grow well between the pH range of most
foods
Temperature Microorganisms grow well between the temperature range of 5⁰C –
60⁰C, most commonly known as the ‘Danger Zone’
Time Microorganisms need sufficient time to grow; when exposed to the
‘Danger Zone’
Oxygen Microorganisms require oxygen in free or combined state; to favor
their growth
Moisture Microorganisms require moisture to grow and is measured in the
form of ‘Water Activity (Aw)’
 FOOD SPOILAGE
Food spoilage occurs when the original nutritional value, texture and/or flavour of
the food are affected or degraded, and the food become harmful to people and
unsuitable to eat.
Major reasons for food spoilage are -
Include or add these further points for Food Spoilage Why ? in blocks :
1) Non GMP / Non Sanitary equipment design
2) Non compatible cleaning chemicals
3) Un safe physical and chemical product composition
4) Under cooking
5) Expired shelf life
6) Use of non food grade chemicals and lubricants,
7) Un hygienic surroundings

Also, delete “Bad” appearing from the Raw Materials box above.

Delete “Bad” from the Water box above, and just say “Water Quality” instead.

1. Foreign matter: Human hair, stapler, metal particles, fabric, plastic, glass pieces,
etc. are big threats to food safety and can cause food spoilage. Anything that is not
considered as food or food substance is considered as foreign matter.
2. Lack of proper drainage: A drain in a food processing area must have proper slope
to ensure no back flow and should be smooth-surfaced and easy to clean,
preventing re-entry of pests from a common drain.
3. Non- food grade equipment: There are many types of equipment that are used in
food processing, and it is essential that non-corrosive, non-migrating food grade
material such as Stainless Steel is used for the equipment in order to prevent metal
contamination, chemical contamination and ensure food safety.
4. Improper handling: Unclean hands, wrong selection of equipment and packing in
unsuitable material could result in food safety issues.
5. Improper processing: Wrong process methods can lead to major changes in end
product. Right temperature, right time, proper additives and understanding process
steps is essential to ensure food safety.
6. Residues of chemicals: Chemicals come into contact with food as crop
contaminants then later in the process of sanitizing voluntarily by our process. The
next involuntary entry of chemicals into food can be through residues of equipment
or utensil sanitation operations. It is important to ensure thorough washing is done
before equipment is taken into production.
7. Poor Sanitation: Sanitation must be based on strict guidelines of either historical
data or validation. If chemicals are used in less or more quantity or in an unverified
process or method, sanitation will fail to achieve proper results giving way for food
to become unsafe.
8. Raw materials: Raw material selection must be based on strict scientific reference
and frequent sampling.
9. Additive: Additives of any nature like essence, flavors etc. can spoil food if not used
in the right quantity. Unauthorized additives also must not be used.
10. Water: Water is involved in food process in various stages from washing to soaking
then involved in either directly food production as an ingredient or in some in-direct
manner as steam. It is also important for washing and sanitation operations.
Potable water should conform to the specifications of IS 10500:2012.
11. Improper storage: Storage must not only be done by FIFO( First In First Out)or
FEFO (First Expiry First Out) method but also properly segregated and with required
ventilation. Right combination of duration, temperature ventilation and segregation
defines a good storage. Any deviation in one of these could result in food becoming
unsafe.
12. Illness/Injury to staff: Food safety is much dependent on the food handler’s
personal behavior and health status. A person with cough, cold, open wound,
itching and any illness which is of an irritable nature tends to make him handle
things without washing his hands after touching the body. The most common
danger to food safety is from cough and cold and open wounds for food handlers.
13. Improper segregation: Where certain food products contain allergens, the
appropriate segregation of RM, equipment, tools and final product is important to
ensure consumer safety,
14. Humidity: Humidity is a major cause for enabling microbial growth, and rancidity.
Food zones must have lower than 65 % humidity to ensure food safety.
15. Temperature: Temperatures of processing, holding, storing, transporting, are all
important factors in food being safe.
16. Time: No raw material or finished product should be held beyond designated shelf
life.
17. Non-food grade packing:Intermediate and final product should be packed only in
acceptable packing material to ensure food safety.
18. Pest: Care must be taken to plan pest control devices and other forms of controls to
ensure that they are highly restricted from either getting into product or
contaminating product resulting in food safety issues.
Contamination may be caused bybody fluids like urine, fecal matter of rodents,
reptiles, pests, nocturnal animals and birds present in the storage yard, marketing
yard, transportation etc.
19. Improper waste disposal: Waste is an outcome of process but often present very
close to the process region. If it is not disposed in a hygienic manner it can breed
pest and micro-organisms which are a threat to food safety.
PART II
PERSONAL
HYGIENE
Health status
Behavioural & Personal
Cleanliness
Visitors
 HEALTH STATUS

Employee Illness Do’s and Don’t’s

 Do call the person in charge at the food service facility when ill with diarrhea,
vomiting, jaundice, or fever with sore throat.

 Do not work in the food facility while ill with these symptoms.

 Do not work in food facility for 24 hours after symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting
have gone.

 Do not handle food with an infected boil, cut, burn, or sore on the hand or wrist.
Food may be handled if the injury is covered with a clean bandage and a latex-
free glove.
Facts that must be known to prevent Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illness is an illness resulting from eating contaminated food.

Food contaminated with organisms (germs) does not always look, smell or taste different from
non-contaminated food.

Symptoms vary and may include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cramping and nausea.

Depending on the cause, symptoms may develop in a few minutes to several days. Some
symptoms may last several days and can result in death.

Foodborne illness is caused by organisms (germs), chemicals, or toxins.

Five major mistakes that often cause foodborne illness:

Inadequate handwashing
Employees working while they are ill
Cross contamination
Inadequate cooking temperatures
Inadequate temperature control (allowing foods to be in the danger zone)

Personnel suffering from a disease should not be allowed to enter into any food handling area.
Any person suffering from a disease shall immediately report illness or to the management and
medical examination of a food handler shall be carried out immediately.

All personnel shall be made medically examined once in a year and a record signed by a registered
medical practitioner shall be maintained. All the personnel shall be compulsorily inoculated
against the enteric group of diseases and a record shall be maintained. In case of an epidemic, all
 SAFE & NUTRITIOUS FOOD BASIC HANDBOOK FOR General food business operators

workers are to be vaccinated irrespective of the scheduled vaccination. Medical examination to be

concluded –

1. Physical examination

2. Eye Test

3. Skin examination

*Compliance with schedule of vaccine to be inoculated against enteric group of diseases. Enteric
diseases are infections caused by viruses and bacteria that enter the body through the mouth or
intestinal system, primarily as a result of eating, drinking and digesting contaminated foods or
liquids. Cholera, typhoid fever, salmonella and Escherichia coli, or E.coli, infections are some of the
most common enteric diseases. Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are the typical side
effects of enteric diseases.

4. Any test required to confirm any communicable or infectious disease which the person
suspected to be suffering from on clinical examination

Note - * Vaccine to be inoculated against enteric group of diseases, shall be decided by the
medical practitioners according to the list as declared by the municipal corporation of that area.

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An illustrative Performa is shown below and it can be downloaded from www.fssai.gov.in

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 SAFE & NUTRITIOUS FOOD BASIC HANDBOOK FOR General food business operators

BEHAVIOURAL & PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Personal cleanliness of food handlers is the most important link in preventing foodborne illness.
These personal hygiene habits shall become a part of their behaviour.

1. All food handlers shall always wash their hands with soap and clean potable water, disinfect
their hands and then dry with hand drier or clean cloth towel or disposable paper.

2. Food handlers shall always wash their hands at the beginning of food handling activities
immediately after handling raw food or any contaminated material, tools, equipment or work
surface, where this could result in contamination of other food items or after using the toilet.

3. No Food handlers shall be engaged in smoking, spitting, chewing, sneezing or coughing over
any food and eating in food preparation and food service areas.

4. The food handlers should trim their nails and hair periodically.

5. Food Handlers shall avoid certain hand habits such as scratching nose, running finger through
hair, rubbing eyes, ears and mouth, scratching beard, scratching parts of bodies etc. When
unavoidable, hands should be effectively washed before resuming work after such actions.

6. Street shoes inside the food preparation area should not be worn while handling or preparing
food; alternately, street shoes may be worn only after adequate cleaning or cover protection.

7. Food handlers should not handle soiled currency notes/cards to avoid cross contamination.

Basic requirements for personal hygiene – See the following image for guidance :

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Below is the procedure for how to properly wash hands and when to wash hands.

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VISITORS
1. Generally visitors should be discouraged from going inside the food handling areas.
2. Visitors when entering food manufacturing, cooking, preparation and storage or handling
areas shall wear protective clothing and footwear.
3. Visitors shall adhere to the personal hygiene provisions as mandated for food handlers.

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PART III
FOOD OPERATION
AND CONTROL
Location and Surroundings
Procurement of Raw Material
Food Safety Guidelines for ProductionProcess
Storage of Food Products (Raw &Finished)
Cleaning& Sanitation
Pest Control

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LOCATION & SURROUNDINGS

Manufacturing / processing / packaging premises shall be located away from sources of pollution
like open drains, garbage yards, industries that emit fumes or gases and dense vegetation.
In order to avoid contamination from external sources such as odor, pests, dust etc., appropriate
measures shall be taken to protect the processing area from environmental contamination.
Processing area shall not have direct access to any residential area.

1. Layout and designof Food manufacturing units shall be unidirectional to avoid from raw
material, intermediate product and finished product. The material movement should be
done in one direction only (no backward flow), to prevent crosscontamination .
2. Floors, ceilings and walls of the establishmentmust be made of impervious material. They
should be smooth and easy to clean with no flaking paint or plaster and maintained in a
sound condition to minimize accumulation of dirt, condensation & growth of moulds.
3. Food Contact Surfaces : All the food contact surfaces shall be :
a. made up of non-corrosive / rust free material
b. smooth, free from any grooves
c. easy to clean and maintain
d. non-toxic and non-reactive
e. of food grade quality
4. Water Supply:Water used in cleaning of equipments / containers / cooking vessels shall be
potable and shall not introduce any hazards or contaminate the food products. Clean and
safe water storage facilities shall be provided.

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Procurement of raw materials

1. No raw material or ingredient thereof shall be accepted by an establishment if it is
known to contain parasites, undesirable micro-organisms, pesticides, veterinary drugs
or toxic items, decomposed or extraneous substances, which would not be reduced
to an acceptable level by normal sorting and/or processing
2. All raw materials, food additives and ingredients, wherever applicable, shall conform
to all the Regulations and standards laid down under the Act
3. Records of raw materials, food additives and ingredients as well as their source of
procurement shall be maintained in a register for inspection
4. All raw materials should be checked & cleaned physically thoroughly
5. Raw materials should be purchased in quantities that correspond to storage/
preservation capacity
6. Packaged raw material must be checked for 'expiry date'/ 'best before'/ 'use by' date,
packaging integrity and storage conditions
7. Receiving temperature of potentially high risk food should be at or below 5 ºC
8. Receiving temperature of frozen food should be -18 deg C or below.

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An illustrative copy of Form E is displayed below. The food handler can download the same from
Food Safety & Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011(Refer
Regulations
2.1.14(2)).http://www.old.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Food%20safety%20and%20Standards%20(Lic
ensing%20and%20Registration%20of%20Food%20businesses)%20regulation,%202011.pdf

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STORAGE OF RAW MATERIALS & FOOD

After receiving and accepting the raw material, there comes the need of storage. The storage
facilities shall be designed and constructed to avoid cross - contamination during storage, permit
adequate maintenance and cleaning and shall avoid pest access and accumulation.Cold Storage
facility shall be provided for food that requiresbeing stored below 5°C and frozen food is to be
stored at -18 deg C and below. .

While designing the storage room, segregation shall be there for raw, processed, packaging,
rejected, returned or recalled fooditems, allergen material&distinguishably marked and secured
products (hardware & cleaning chemicals). The storage area for raw food shall be separate from
the area of work-in-progress, processed, cooked and packaged products. Also, the containers
made of non-toxic materials shall be provided for storage of raw materials, work-in-progress and
finished / ready to serve products.

While procuring and receiving the raw material, the food handler shall ensure that -

1. Storage instructions over food packaging should be followed.

2. Temperature and humidity requisite for respective food materials / productsshall be
maintained, to enhance shelf life.
3. FIFO (First In First Out) & FEFO (First Expire First Out) stock rotation system asapplicable,
shall be followed in storage areas, work-in-progress and processed/cooked or packaged
food products.
4. The food materials shall be stored on racks / pallets as per stack height norms, well above
the floor leveland away from the wall.

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Material storage on Pallets

FMFO displays on Raw Materials

Colour coding for easy identification of Quality Status Separate storage Area for Expired/damaged material

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- Sorting of raw materials shall be carried out wherever necessary.

- When storage is necessary, this should be in weather proof, ventilated rooms which are
protected against birds, insects and rodents.

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Food Safety Guidelines for the Production Process

Maintain the upmost standards when properly handling food products for consumers. Anything
from airborne debris to facility moisture can form harmful bacteria that could ultimately affect the
end product.

There are ways to prevent contamination and cross contamination in processing facilities. Here
are five tips to keep food facilities safe:

1. Keep ramps and carts clean

The food contact surfaces where food is handled and processed through the various stages
of processing should be kept clean and hygienic at all times.
The carts, trolleys and other transport medium in which food is transported from one zone
to another within the food production premise must be kept clean and sanitized. It is
recommended to dedicate allotted carts/trolleys for transportation of raw materials/semi
finished products/finished products and packaging materials.

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2. Color code cleaning equipments and cleaning aids

Cleaning aids and equipments used in the food production premise must be color coded as
per the different zones in the food production area.

For example one color should be used to clean sanitized food contact surfaces, while a
different color should be used for nonfood contact surfaces, a third color should be used to
clean surfaces with raw products and the last color should only be applied for floor drain
cleaning. Using this technique will help in adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices and
also help in minimizing cross contamination from different areas of the food production
unit.

3. Clean all equipments and machinery

Cleaning of various machineries and equipments in the production facility as per the
cleaning schedule is important. Regular and timely cleaning and maintenance of the
machines and equipments reduces the chances of cross contamination during the
production process. Specific cleaning procedures for products containing allergens should
be adhered to at all times.

4. Ensure workers are healthy

When workers are healthy and safe the chances of contamination is further limited.
Employees must maintain appropriate personal hygiene and follow the necessary
cleanliness guidelines as laid down by the management at all times. Washing their hands
at regular intervals and wearing clean clothes are some of the important steps that need to
be adhered to by the workers.

5. Cleaning & Sanitation

It takes more than soap and water to keep a food business clean
and safe. You will likely be using detergents and sanitizers.

Know what the directions say for using chemicals. Read the labels and
Follow These Important talk to your manager about when to use them and how much to use.
Rules Be sure you understand and follow the directions!

Keep chemicals away from food and clean equipments. If chemicals

must be stored in the same room, be sure they are stored in
specifically marked area.

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Can you read the labels? Are they easy to see? If they are not, ask your
manager tore-label them so that everyone can read them.

Keep all chemicals in the bottles or boxes they come in. If you put
them in a different container, label them clearly.

Wash them in hot soapy water

Follow the cleaning Rinse them in clean hot water

directions for each piece
of equipment
Sanitize them with freshly prepared sanitizer

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Pest Control
A pest is any living organism that causes damages or discomfort, or transmits diseases.

The Major Pests include

 Cockroaches
 Rodents (mice, rats, squirrels etc.)
 Flies
 Stored product pests (Flour beetle, sawtooth grain beetle, cigarette beetle, indianmeal
moth etc.)

General guidelines for Pest Control:

1. The establishment shall have a nominated person to manage pest control activities and/or
deal with appointed expert contractor.
2. The food establishment, including equipment and building shall be kept in good repair to
prevent pest access and to eliminate potential breeding sites. Holes, drains and other
places where pests are likely to gain access shall be kept in sealed condition or fitted with
mesh / grills / claddings or any other suitable means as required and animals, birds and
pets shall not be allowed to enter into the food establishment areas/ premises.
3. Food materials shall be stored in pest-proof containers stacked above the ground and away
from walls.
4. Pest infestations shall be dealt with immediately and without adversely affecting the food
safety or suitability. Treatment with permissible chemical, physical or biological agents,
within the appropriate limits, shall be carried out without posing a threat to the safety or
suitability of food. Records of pesticides / insecticides used along with dates and frequency
shall be maintained.
5. Animals, birds and pets shall not be allowed to enter into the food establishment areas/
premises.
6. In order to control the settlement of pests in the surroundings (i.e. not to provide them
place of refuge and feed resources), it is necessary to maintain a non-attractive
environment which includes:
- Isolated storage of unutilised materials, pallets and machines, without contact with the
walls and buildings.
- Design and maintenance of external spaces, including:
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SAFE & NUTRITIOUS FOOD BASIC HANDBOOK FOR General food business operators

- Elimination of holes and spaces in waste land with high vegetation.

- Regular cutting of grass lawns
- The elimination of stagnant water.
- The absence of rags, papers, plastic films and other detritus abandoned on the ground.
7. Tidying and cleaning of technical buildings (machine shop, boiler room, refrigeration
rooms, and electrical cabinets) to avoid rodent settlement.
8. Mosquito nets at window and suitable screens on access doors; alternately, the use of air
curtains and electrical insect killers.
9. Rigorous management of waste containers, which include:
- Frequent cleaning so as not to attract insects.
- Storage in a clean and easily available washing area equipped with a source of water and
floor drainage system for waste water.
- Keeping them closed (to prevent use as a feed source by all types of pests).
- Not filling them in to excess to avoid overflowing and dropping of food waste on the
ground.
- A waterproof design and easy to clean and disinfect.
- Frequent removal of waste from production area.

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Part IV
Packaging and
Distribution

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Product Packaging
Product packaging prevents contamination, allows food to be transported easily and extends shelf
life. Packaging also provides a surface for labelling and identification of products. Packaging
materials also need to ensure that food is not contaminated from substances that could migrate
from the packaging into food.
Packaging- General Requirements

1. A utensil or container made of the following materials or metals, when used in the preparation,
packaging and storing of food shall be deemed to render it unfit for human consumption:-

(a) Containers which are rusty

(b) Enameled containers which have become chipped and rusty
(c) Copper or brass containers which are not properly tinned
(d) Containers made of aluminum not conforming in chemical composition to IS: 20
specifications for Cast Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy for utensils or IS: 21 specifications
for Wrought Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy for utensils.

2. Containers made of plastic materials used as appliances or receptacles for packing or storing
food articles, whether partly or wholly, should conform to the following Indian Standards
Specification viz. :—

(i) IS: 10146 (Specification for Polyethylene in contact with foodstuffs)

(ii) IS: 10142 (Specification for Styrene Polymers in contact with foodstuffs)
(iii) IS: 10151 (Specification for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), in contact with foodstuffs)
(iv) IS: 10910 (Specification for Polypropylene in contact with foodstuffs)
(v) IS: 11434 (Specification for Ionomer Resins in contact with foodstuffs)
(vi) IS: 11704 Specification for Ethylene Acrylic Acid (EAA) copolymer
(vii) IS: 12252 - Specification for Poly alkyleneterephathalates (PET)
(viii) IS: 12247 - Specification for Nylon 6 Polymer
(ix) IS: 13601 - Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
(x) IS: 13576 - Ethylene Metha Acrylic Acid (EMAA)
(xi) Tin and plastic containers once used, shall not be re-used for packaging of edible oils
and fats

Provided that utensils or containers made of copper though not properly tinned, may be used for
the preparation of sugar confectionery or essential oils and mere use of such utensils or containers
shall not be deemed to render sugar confectionery or essential oils unfit for human consumption.
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 SAFE & NUTRITIOUS FOOD BASIC HANDBOOK FOR General food business operators

Transportation

 Transportation vehicles, tankers, conveyances, and containers shall be maintained in a

state of repair, cleanliness, and condition consistent with requirements given in relevant
specifications
 Where the same vehicles, conveyances, and containers are used for food and non-food
products, cleaning shall be carried out between loads and no petroleum or hazardous
chemicals tankers shall be engaged for food items transportation.
 Bulk containers shall be dedicated to food use only. Where required by the organization,
bulk containers shall be dedicated to a specified material
 Bulk tankers deliveries tankers shall be sealed with plastic / metal seals with numbered
seals & thread or lead seals should be restricted.

Conveyances and / or containers used for transporting / serving foodstuffs shall be non-toxic, kept
clean and maintained in good condition in order to protect foodstuffs from any contamination.
Vehicles used for transportation should have an FSSAI transport license.

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SAFE & NUTRITIOUS FOOD BASIC HANDBOOK FOR General food business operators

Documentation and Records - Legal and Organizational Requirements

Documentation
1. Following licenses shall be available at Manufacturing Location

 FSSAI License/Registration as applicable under the Act

 Municipal Corporation License /Trade License/ License under Shops &
Establishments Act. / NOC from Gram panchayat
 Legal Metrology Registration as required

2. Annual returns to be filed before 31st May of every year as per the regulations made under
the Act.

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 SAFE & NUTRITIOUS FOOD BASIC HANDBOOK FOR General food business operators

Labeling

Pre-packaged foods should be labelled in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards
Regulations. At every stage, pre-packaged products should be checked for proper labelling and
compliance with mandatory provisions.

Training:

All personnel including new employees, temporary employees and contract persons shall be
trained for their roles and responsibilities and all procedural requirements

1. All food handlers shall be aware of their role and responsibility in protecting food from
contamination.

2. Food handlers shall have the necessary knowledge and skills which are relevant to food
processing / manufacturing, packing, storing and serving.

3. All food handlers shall be trained in food hygiene and food safety aspects along with
personal hygiene requirements.

4. Periodic assessments of the effectiveness of training, awareness of safety requirements

and competency level shall be made.

5. Training programmes shall be routinely reviewed and updated wherever necessary.

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