The Food Safety and Standards Act (FS&SA) and Regulations, enforced throughout the country from August 5, replacing the erstwhile Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, has created a consternation among the trade and industry.

In a clarification meeting over the provision of the Act, organised by the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Agro Food Chamber of Commerce and Industry here recently, Mr S. Rethinavelu, Senior President of the Chamber, pointing out to the range of penalty provided for in the Act, from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh besides jail term for offences, said that the provisions would severely impact several small food business operators in the country.

Mr P.C. Duraiswamy of Sakthi Masala Group, Erode, who addressed the meeting, said that the Government has ignored several representations by trade organisations for removal of provisions and food business operators are left with no alternative than to indulge in agitations and also create awareness over the harmful impact of the Act.