Sir,

The Union Government has exempted roadside eateries from the requirement of obtaining licences from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), provided they possess trade licences issued by local authorities.

The decision has reportedly been taken in the interest of roadside eateries and to relieve them of the burden of dual licensing requirements.

However, certain questions arise: If roadside eateries are exempted from obtaining FSSAI licences, does it also mean that the food products prepared by them need not adhere to standards of quality and hygiene?

Why should’nt regular restaurants also be exempted from FSSAI certification? Why are they required to maintain higher standards than roadside eateries?

Regular restaurants are already at a disadvantage as they incur higher establishment costs and are required to pay taxes such as GST and Income Tax, obligations that many roadside eateries do not have.

It is also common knowledge that roadside eateries, irrespective of whether they possess trade licences or not, often occupy or encroach upon public spaces such as roadsides and footpaths, causing obstruction to both vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement.

This issue needs to be addressed before considering concessions or exemptions for them in any matter.

– K.R. Jayaprakash Rao, Nazarbad, 21.3.2026

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