Pimpri: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict warning to food sellers and manufacturers: operating without a valid license or registration under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is punishable by a fine of up to ₹2 lakh and six months imprisonment.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakh to obtain a license, while those with a turnover below ₹12 lakh must register. In Pune district alone, 25,960 businesses have obtained licenses, and 1,27,078 have registered so far this year.

The cost of obtaining a food license or registration is minimal. Businesses with a turnover below ₹12 lakh can register for ₹100. Vendors with turnovers exceeding ₹12 lakh pay ₹2,000 for a license, while manufacturers pay between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000.

Running a food business without registration or a license is illegal. Violators are prosecuted under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Shops selling substandard or expired food products may face penalties, including being sealed. The penalty for operating without a license includes fines of up to ₹2 lakh and imprisonment of up to six months.

Food vendors and manufacturers can apply for registration or a license through the FSSAI's official website at fssai.gov.in. Consumers are encouraged to inspect packaged food products for a "Best Before" date before purchase. If such information is missing, complaints can be filed with the FDA.

According to FDA officials, the department conducts regular inspections of shops. Vendors selling adulterated or low-quality food products face strict action. Businesses selling expired food items may be fined or, in severe cases, shut down entirely.