LUCKNOW, July 24 -- The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Lucknow has initiated recovery proceedings against 25 food business operators who failed to pay court-imposed penalties despite adverse rulings, officials said on Thursday.

The total unpaid amount stands at Rs.6.8 lakh. Authorities warned that continued non-compliance could lead to the suspension of food licences and closure of business operations.

The action follows enforcement drives conducted by the FSDA over the past few years, during which food samples collected from various establishments were found to be substandard or in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules and Regulations, 2011. Cases were subsequently ...