The food industry falls under the top ten businesses in India. In the last few years, this industry has grown at a remarkable speed. As food and health go hand in hand, if the quality of food drops it may affect the health condition of an individual. Hence for the safety and security of the consumers’ health in 2006 the government came up with this law called the Food Safety and Standards Act. This act provides all the food safety-related guidelines that one needs to follow. As per the same act FSSAI License is essential for food businesses in India.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority is the regulating authority regarding food safety in India. It regulates the food businesses which include manufacturing, supply, import, export, producing, distributing, storage etc of any kind of food. One of the main things under the above-mentioned law is the FSSAI License which one needs to take if he or she is in the food business. It is a mandatory license for food business owners. This license not only helps the consumers but also helps the food owners obtain various benefits provided by the government to their business. Hence FSSAI License is essential for food businesses with respect to both owner and consumer.
Who needs to take the FSSAI License?
It is very clear that the FSSAI License is essential for food businesses in India. Hence, no matter whether they operate independently or through retailers, hawkers, temporary or permanent vendors, or stalls, all enterprises involved in producing, moving, storing, providing, and distributing food goods must have an FSSAI Registration or license. Given below is the list of those who need to take an FSSAI License:
- Vendors or companies that serve food at social or religious meetings.
- PG owners who are serving food in their PGs, PG here refers to paying guest facility.
- E-commerce food business owners
- One who is involved in the import and export of food
- One who has a storage facility for food
- Milk business owners
- Petty food business owners like hawkers, vendors, etc
- One who provides catering services
- Food stall owners in public places like railway stations
Categories of FSSAI License
The various FBOs must submit applications in the format required by the FSSAI in order to be granted a license. The licensing type is determined by the company’s annual revenue. The three major kinds of licenses are as follows:
- Central FSSAI License needs to be obtained by food business owners whose turnover exceeds 20 crores. But there are certain kinds of businesses whose turnover does not matter; they have to take a Central FSSAI License only. Such businesses are export-import businesses, e-commerce businesses, etc.
- The State FSSAI License is issued by the approved officer of the relevant state. If a company’s annual revenue is between 12 and 20 crores, it must apply for a state FSSAI license using Form B.
- A general FSSAI registration will be sufficient for businesses with yearly revenues under 12 lakhs. Companies should register using Form A.
FSSAI License is Essential for Food Businesses in India
FSSAI License is essential for food businesses in India because of the following reasons:
Control Adulteration of Food
FSSAI License’s main purpose is to certify food processing units in India. So that there can be proper records of the businesses that produce food legally. Inspection of chemical substances is done by the FSSAI to check whether they are safe for consumption or not. Food adulteration may affect the well-being of the people, so a food license is of utmost importance to ensure food quality. Licensing assists in reducing claims of food contamination and the use of cheap, dangerous substances.
Maintain Food Quality
Competition in the food market is at the top at the present time. A food business owner’s main priority is to make a profit. They don’t pay much attention to the quality of food. Having an FSSAI license assures customers that the respective food business is of high standards. Along with quality verification, FSSAI also conducts food inspections.
Health Safety of Consumer
Every now and then unhygienic and unsafe food-related things come out. Adulteration of food has become very prominent these days. If we talk about food it directly affects the health of the consumer. Hence for the safety and well-being of the consumer FSSAI License is essential for food businesses in India. It keeps an eye on the food businesses and maintains food safety.
Creating Food Safety Awareness
FSSAI is responsible for creating awareness regarding food safety and other relevant issues in India. It also indicates credibility for a business to obtain the FSSAI License. The licenses of most food outlets are advertised, so they attract more customers. This also attracts more investors and partners to the business. By obtaining the FSSAI license, the company can establish its reliability.
Fulfill Legal Compliance
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, all the food business owner who is running a food business in India needs to take an FSSAI License. This license is not optional instead compulsory for all food business owners. If anybody is caught working in the food industry without this license, a heavy penalty can be levied upon him or her. That penalty is sufficient to collapse one’s business. Hence FSSAI License is essential for food businesses in India with respect to fulfilling legal compliance as well.
Safeguard Food Owners
FSSAI License is essential for food businesses so that businesses can safeguard themselves from allegations related to compromised food quality. The FSSAI license serves as concrete evidence that the food being offered is both nutritious and safe for consumption. This assurance eliminates any concerns about potential health hazards associated with consuming the food.
Non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006
FSSAI License is essential for food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act. If food business owners do not comply with this legal compliance, they might face civil liability. The Food Safety Officer will inspect the business to examine the standards of food preparation. After the examination accordingly, they rated as Compliant (C), Non-compliant (NC), Partially compliant (PC), or Not Applicable/Not Observed. As per Section 32 of the FSSAI Act, 2006 rectifications can also be incorporated into the business if the Food Safety Officer is dissatisfied. The law related to food is very strict because it directly or indirectly affects the health of the people.
Conclusion
The main purpose of obtaining web-based FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) enlistment is to ensure the quality and safety of the food that a business delivers to its customers. This process involves thorough testing to prevent the distribution of spoiled or harmful food. In the food industry, instances of food contamination and the use of inexpensive yet hazardous ingredients are unfortunately common. Hence FSSAI License is essential for food businesses. With the support of proficient FSSAI registration consultants, businesses can efficiently apply for and renew their FSSAI licenses under any of the available three categories. Through a seamless online process accessible on our website, you can easily complete the registration without dedicating excessive time and effort. Our aim is to streamline the registration process so that you can concentrate on effectively managing your food business.
