To ensure the safety of the entire food industry, FSSAI registration was started. FSSAI acts as the primary authority responsible for overseeing and enforcing health and safety standards for all food and drink products throughout the country.
FSSAI sets up a detailed set of rules and standards that all Food Business Operators must follow. These guidelines are created to offer clarity and make it easier for every type of product produced and circulated in India to comply with the set standards. In this blog, we shall see the basics of FSSAI declaration.
Importance of Complying with FSSAI Standards
The FSSAI registration or licence number consists of 14 digits and can be divided into five distinct sections. Notably, the 9th to 14th digits are designated as the unique serial number assigned to each Food Business Operator. FSSAI is the top authority checking the nutritional value of food products. If you don’t follow the rules they set, your business could face serious penalties.
FSSAI Product Approval
The FSSAI Product Approval process is crucial as it guarantees that new food products meet the standards established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This approval process is a vital stage before launching these products in the market.
The FSSAI’s authority and regulatory framework are rooted in the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act of 2006, supplemented by various Regulations. These legal instruments set the quality and safety standards for an extensive range of food products.
Need for FSSAI Product Approval
Despite the comprehensive coverage of the FSSAI Act and Regulations, food business operators continually innovate by introducing new food products and ingredients that might not fall under the purview of existing regulatory provisions.
FSSAI Product Approval becomes mandatory when a food product or ingredient is not explicitly covered by any existing FSSAI Act or Regulation. In such cases, FBOs must seek approval from the FSSAI to ensure that their new products comply with safety and quality standards, safeguarding public health.
Detailed FSSAI Certification Categories Based on Annual Turnover
Obtaining the right FSSAI certification is crucial for food businesses, and it depends on the annual turnover. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has established three distinct certification categories to cater to businesses of varying scales:
1. Basic Registration (Annual Turnover < Rs.12 lakhs):
This category is designed for small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover of less than Rs.12 lakhs. It provides a simplified registration process, making it accessible for startups and local enterprises.
2. State Licence (Annual Turnover Rs.12 lakhs to Rs.20 crores):
Food businesses that have an annual turnover ranging from Rs.12 lakhs to Rs.20 crores must acquire a State Licence. This category is fitting for medium-sized enterprises and local distributors, ensuring they comply with regulations at the state level.
3. Central Licence (Annual Turnover > Rs.20 crores):
Large-scale food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs.20 crores must secure a Central Licence. This certification is essential for companies operating at a national level and emphasises adherence to stringent quality and safety standards.
Selecting the appropriate FSSAI certification category ensures that businesses of all sizes can participate in the food industry while upholding the necessary regulatory standards.
Applying for FSSAI Registration or Licence Online
Obtaining an FSSAI registration or licence has been simplified into a straightforward online process. The key steps to follow are:
1. Visit the FoSCoS Portal:
Begin by accessing the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal.
2. Select the Appropriate Kind of Business:
Choose the specific category that best describes your business from the provided list of Kinds of Business.
3. Fill Out the Appropriate Form:
Depending on your requirements, you can either:
· Fill out ‘Form A’ for FSSAI registration.
· Fill out ‘Form B’ to apply for an FSSAI licence.
4. Submit Mandatory Documents:
Ensure that you provide all the necessary documents, including a mandatory self-declaration.
5. Payment Submission:
Make the required payment for your application through the online portal.
6. Scrutiny and Approval:
Your application details will undergo scrutiny by the relevant authorities. If everything is in order and satisfactory, the FSSAI will issue you a 14-digit unique FSSAI registration number or licence number online.
Understanding the FSSAI Declaration
When applying for FSSAI registration or licence, a crucial component is the FSSAI declaration, as outlined in rule 2.5.1 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This declaration is a formal document through which a food business nominates an employee who will assume responsibility and be held accountable for ensuring compliance with FSSAI guidelines and rules within a specific branch or unit of the business.
This declaration plays a critical role in designating responsibility within a food business, ensuring that someone is accountable for adhering to FSSAI guidelines and regulations at the specified branch or unit.
Creating FSSAI Declaration
The FSSAI Declaration serves as a crucial component when seeking approval for FSSAI Food Products or applying for an FSSAI Food Business Licence. This official document must adhere to the specific format requirements outlined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Document Format
To ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations, it is imperative that the FSSAI Declaration is prepared in the prescribed format. This format is stipulated by the FSSAI and must be strictly followed.
Authorised Signatories
The FSSAI Declaration can be printed on the official letterhead of the food business operator. It is essential that the document is signed by one of the following individuals:
· The proprietor
· Partner
· Director
· Person authorised to submit the FSSAI registration or licence application
By adhering to these guidelines, food business operators can successfully create the necessary FSSAI Declaration to facilitate their approval or licencing process without encountering any issues related to non-compliance.
Final Thoughts
The FSSAI Declaration is a very vital element in the process of obtaining FSSAI registration or licence, in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It serves to formalise the assignment of responsibility within a food business by nominating an accountable individual for ensuring compliance with FSSAI guidelines and rules at a specific branch or unit. This document, meticulously prepared in the prescribed format, must bear the signature of the business’s proprietor, partner, director, or an authorised representative. The Declaration not only underscores the commitment of food businesses to food safety but also facilitates efficient monitoring and regulation by designating an individual to oversee compliance. It is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and quality of food products in the marketplace, ultimately benefiting consumers and upholding the standards of the food industry.
