Under the Foods Safety and Standards Act which is also known as FSS Act, it is compulsory to get FSSAI License Registration. FSSAI License is of three types which includes FSSAI registration, State Food License and Central Food License. License applicability depends on the type of business, turnover of the business and place of business. The biggest myth in the food market is that there is no need for FSSAI license for petty food businesses. But the reality is totally different. Whether you are a small food business owner, mid-sized food business owner, big food business owner or petty food business owner, FSSAI license is compulsory for all. In the current blog will discuss the FSSAI for petty food business. If you are the owner of any kind of petty food business, you must go through this blog till the end. Because it will unfold many things about which you may not be aware about.
What is FSSAI License Registration?
The FSSAI License, known as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India License, is an essential government approval required by all food-related businesses in India. It’s mandatory for diverse food entities, from small-scale home kitchens to large manufacturers, retailers, and food delivery services like Zomato and Swiggy. Governed by the FSS Act of 2006, this license ensures compliance with food safety and hygiene norms in the production, distribution, and sale of various food items across the country. Obtaining this license is crucial for legal operation and maintaining required standards in the food industry throughout India.
What is Petty Food Business?
Petty food enterprises are those that operate on a tiny scale and have an annual sales of less than 12 lakhs. These businesses are running with less investment in a particular area. They are not working on a very big level. Such kinds of businesses are mostly started with self funding. They are a kind of business that runs on the basis of daily earnings. Although petty food businesses are working on a smaller level, their contribution in the economy of India is really noticeable.
In order to keep eye on the working of these petty food businesses, the government introduced FSSAI License under the FSS Act of 2006. FSSAI for petty food business is compulsory. On these types of businesses a general FSSAI registration, sometimes referred to as an FSSAI license is applicable. This type of registration is very easy to obtain and its registration cost is also very less. The main purpose of this registration is to make the food industry hygienic and adulteration free.
Is FSSAI for Petty Food Business Compulsory?
Many people have this myth that FSSAI for petty food business is not compulsory. But the reality is just the opposite. As per the government rules and regulations it is compulsory for all the petty food business owners to obtain FSSAI registration for their business. General FSSAI registration is specially for the petty food businesses with the least charges. The cost of such registration is less so that petty food businesses can afford it.
Types of Petty Food Business
In India every now and then a new petty food business got started. To keep eye on these businesses is very important in order to keep the food industry clean and alteration free. Some of the key petty food businesses are mentioned below:
- Street Food Vendors which includes individuals or small groups selling food items on streets, commonly snacks or quick bites.
- Roadside Food Stalls are also a kind of petty food business. They are small stalls set up by vendors selling food items, usually located alongside roads or in public areas.
- Tea Stalls are the most preferred petty food business these days. Small-scale vendors primarily serve tea or other beverages along with a few snack options.
- Small vendors or street-side sellers offering fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Individuals operating on mobile platforms, selling items like ice cream, snacks, or even meals from a movable setup.
- Small booths or stalls offering a variety of food items in public spaces, markets, or events.
- Those involved in small-scale food catering for local events or small gatherings, offering basic catering services.
- Small-scale shops primarily sell confectionery or bakery items.
Cost of FSSAI for Petty Food Business
If we see the petty food business we came to know that they are very small businesses mostly run on the basis of their daily businesses. These are the businesses where there are high chances of adulteration. Because for them profit is the most important thing. Hence in order to get profit sometimes they make a concession on the food goods’ quality. Hence in order to maintain cleanliness and make the food industry adulteration free, the government made FSSAI for petty food business compulsory.
Government also understands the financial issue of these businesses hence they make the process of obtaining FSSAI registration easy and cost effective. In order to get this registration business owners just need to pay Rs. 100 per year as government fees.
One more thing which you must know as a petty food business owner is that government fees and professional fees to do the formalities of this FSSAI registration for petty food business are completely different. If you are hiring a professional to do this registration of FSSAI for petty food business, you need to pay professional fees as well. Hence with the Rs. 100 you should be prepared for some extra amount which you need to pay to the professional.
How to Obtain FSSAI License for Petty Food Business?
Follow the steps given below in order to obtain registration of FSSAI for petty food business:
Collect the Documents
The very first step to do registration of FSSAI license for petty food business is to collect all the requisite documents. The documents required for the registration of FSSAI for petty food business are not very lengthy. It just needs some basic documents like an Aadhaar Card of the owner, business address proof with the address proof of the business owner and one passport size recent photograph of the business owner. Before starting the process of registration one must make sure that he or she has all these documents.
Process of Registration
To get the FSSAI for petty food business, visit the official FSSAI website and create an account. Complete the online application with correct information and upload the necessary documents, making sure they’re clear and readable. After making the necessary payment, submit the application. For the General Food License, a straightforward verification process is undertaken. However, for State and Central licenses, an inspection of your food business site might be conducted by FSSAI officials. Once everything checks out and is approved, the FSSAI licensing authority will issue the license.
Conclusion
FSSAI registration is a necessary step for all food-related businesses, regardless of their size or scale of operation, as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act. This includes the often-overlooked petty food businesses that play a significant role in the food industry. FSSAI for petty food business, particularly the general FSSAI license applicable to these small ventures, ensures compliance with hygiene and safety norms. While the costs are minimal, just Rs. 100 per year, the impact on maintaining quality and hygiene standards is substantial. By following the simple steps on the FSSAI website and providing basic documents, petty food business owners can easily obtain this essential license. This registration process significantly contributes to fostering a hygienic and safe food industry across India.
