The Fact News Service
SAS Nagar, August 31
The district health department has warned the Food Business Operators (FBO) of the district against some fraudsters who are posing themselves as Food Safety Officers (FSO).
Civil Surgeon Dr Adarshpal Kaur and District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Subhash Kumar said that it has come to their notice that some miscreants posing themselves as Food Safety Officers and designated food officers are demanding money from FBOs or shopkeepers for some fake challans issued to them. They said this has happened in some districts like Muktsar Sahib and Bathinda. Health officials appealed to the FBOs to be careful and vigilant if anybody calls them and demands money in the name of Chalans and takes food samples or any other food-related work.
These fraudsters demand money for medical fitness certificates of food handlers as well. They said, “We want to make it clear to every FBO that medical fitness certificates can be obtained from any registered medical practitioner or from the district and sub-divisional civil hospitals of Mohali district.” Health officials said that the festive season is approaching and fraudsters are taking advantage of the same. They asked the shop owners to inform the area police or the food safety wing of the Civil Surgeon’s office if they receive any such call. Dr. Subhash Kumar asked the food shopkeepers, dairy owners, milkmen and other concerned persons selling food items, to immediately report any demand of bribe or ‘monthly collection” in the name of any official of the District Health Department or its Food Safety Wing. Dr Subhash said that shopkeepers can complain against such miscreants on his personal Mobile no. 98766 43047.
He reiterated that issuance /modification of a Food safety license/ registration is completely an online process. No physical submission of any documents is needed. Registration certificates or licenses can be obtained by applying online at www.foscos.fssai.gov.in for which a government fee is charged.
