The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry jointly with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and ASSOCHAM organized a programme for the Food Business Operators(FBOs) on 18th January ,2013 (Friday) at 2:30pm at the Chamber Conference Hall,Willingdon Island ,Cochin. Ms.UmaMaheshwary,Food Inspector, FSSAI and Mr.M.V.HaridasMenon,Senior Manager-Legal ,Harrisons Malayalam Ltd were the speakers for the session. This programme included an awareness session and also provided an opportunity for FBOs to apply for license from FSSAI. Mr.Menon in general spoke on the various aspects of the Food Safety and Standards Act.He gave special attention to all the practicalities of the Act and the road blocks that an applicant may face in the process of procuring a Food License. The speaker was able to explain to the participants the difference between Central and State Licensing and the procedure for obtaining these. Ms.UmaMaheshwary began with the need for FSS Act and the elements that are covered under the Act. She also touched upon the significant features of the Act and related it to the various business sectors like .She explained the general framework for registration ,licensing and monitoring of food business establishments. Ms.Umaalso demonstrated the procedure for applying online for Central License using the FSSAI website(www.fssai.gov.in). The session ended at 5pm .