The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive stating that the validity of various orders issued by it during the period of lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic is extended till July 31, 2020. FSSAI, in a statement, has explained that in order to facilitate the FBOs and ensure smooth operation of the food supply chains across the country, it has issued various orders during the period of national lockdown in the wake of the Corona virus pandemic and relaxation was extended to the FBOs for the period of lockdown. And since the Government of India, through Ministry of Home Affairs, has extended the lockdown for the containment zones until June 30, 2020, while few states have extended the lockdown with varied easement of the restriction, it has been decided to amend the validity of the orders issued by the FSSAI to July 31, 2020. The orders include, dated March 31, 2020, related to processing of FSSAI licence/registration application during the lockdown situation by the means of e-inspection, order dated March 31 regarding allowing FBOs to temporarily operate their food businesses on basis of application for licence/registration during the period of lockdown and order dated April 13 and April 17 with respect to compliance of the requirement of FSS Regulations. According to a senior official with the FSSAI, the extension is final and will end on July 31, meaning that the facility extended shall cease with effect from July 31, 2020, irrespective of the status of the lockdown or containment at any location