Sun Nov 09 18:21:26 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on that summary:

Summary:

The Food Safety Department in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India, is offering cash prizes to Food Business Operators (FBOs) who demonstrate best practices in reducing single-use plastic and other banned plastic materials. Two categories of FBOs are eligible: those with over ₹12 lakh annual turnover (₹1 lakh prize) and those with under ₹12 lakh turnover (₹50,000 prize). Hotels can also win at the state level. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including FSSAI licenses/registrations, staff training, and hygiene practices. Applications are due by November 25th and will be reviewed by a committee and a third-party auditor.

News Article:

Cuddalore FBOs Rewarded for Cutting Plastic Waste

CUDDALORE, November 9, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu government, through its Food Safety Department, is incentivizing Food Business Operators (FBOs) in Cuddalore district to ditch single-use plastics. A cash prize competition is open to FBOs demonstrating successful reduction of plastic waste, aligning with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations.

FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakh stand to win ₹1 lakh, while smaller operations, including roadside eateries and push carts with a turnover below ₹12 lakh, could receive ₹50,000. Licensed hotels at the state level are also eligible for prizes.

To qualify, FBOs must possess a valid FSSAI license or registration, have at least one staff member trained in food safety, maintain hygiene rating certification, provide medical certificates for all employees, and implement proper hygiene and waste management protocols.

Interested businesses must submit their applications to the Designated Officer (DO) of FSSAI in Cuddalore by November 25th. A review committee headed by the District Collector will evaluate the applications, and a third-party audit agency will conduct on-site visits. Shortlisted entries will then be forwarded to the Commissioner of Food Safety in Chennai, for review by a State-level committee to select the winners. The competition aims to promote sustainable practices within the food industry.

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