Food & Beverage Impact: Monitoring Update - India (24 APRIL 2020)

The lockdown is scheduled to expire on 3 May 2020.
Starting from 20 April, selected additional activities start operate in accordance with the requirements as stipulated in the existing consolidated revised guidelines on lockdown measures. However, the strict restrictions will continue in districts which declared as COVID-19 hotspots.

On 19 April, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that the clause 14(v) of the consolidated revised guidelines, relating to e-commerce companies has been only excluded for non-essential goods. However, the e-commerce companies should continue to operate for the essential goods to ensure smooth movements of the entire supply chain of essential goods.
On 21 April, the government has clarified that the supply of essential goods under clause 13 (i) of the consolidated revised guidelines is applied to food processing units such as bread factories, milk processing plants, flour mills, dal mills etc. located in urban areas. These factories which allowed to operate shall fulfil the lockdown measures as specified by the government.
On 23 April, in the press release from Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), it highlighted the steps taken to ensure uninterrupted food services/supply, and industry facilitation during the lockdown period in India. In addition to ensure a smooth business operation, FSSAI has also initiated online training module for food handlers on the importance of food safety and hygiene practices to prevent COVID-19.

FIA is working closely with local industry association, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), to monitor the progress of development of the lockdown situation in India. FIA and FICCI also plan to issue a joint press release in the Indian media about the importance of keeping food supply chains open. Currently, FIA is awaiting final input and sign-off from FICCI.

Food & Beverage Impact: Monitoring Update – India (24 APRIL 2020)