FSSAI can suspend restaurant license, consequences depend on breach severity
If a restaurant gets caught with serious hygiene issues or risks to public health, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) can suspend its license under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
That means all food operations must stop right away.
As Rishi Agrawal, Co-founder & CEO of TeamLease RegTech, puts it: "Not all FSSAI violations or the consequences that follow are alike. The action depends on what has actually happened and the seriousness of the breach," and "A hygiene lapse, misbranding, adulteration and unsafe food are not treated in the same way," plus "The consequence depends on the nature of the violation and, in more serious cases, the harm caused."
Eatery must notify public, stop serving
The eatery has to let everyone know about the suspension, and if they keep serving food during this time, they're breaking the law.
They're given a set period to fix problems, like cleaning up or sorting out safety issues, and must request a reinspection.
If things aren't fixed, their license could be permanently canceled.
For really serious violations (like serving unsafe food), fines can go up to ₹10 lakh and even jail time if someone gets hurt or worse.
The rules are strict because FSSAI wants everyone's meals to be safe.