The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a prominent government organisation that supports regulations governing the sale, packaging and storage of food products in India.
Every food business operator is required to obtain the appropriate food licence from the FSSAI in order to assure the highest level of food safety. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Indian Government oversee the operation of the FSSAI.
Overview of FSSAI and FoSCoS
The FSSAI, a statutory body operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has been a key player since its establishment in 2006. This institution came into being through the Food Safety and Standards Act, amalgamating diverse food acts and regulations. FSSAI’s fundamental goal revolves around setting science-based standards for food products. They take charge of regulating the entire life cycle of these products, from manufacturing and storage to distribution, sale and import, with an unwavering focus on ensuring their safety and quality.
In contrast, we have FoSCoS, an innovative online platform developed by FSSAI. This platform serves as a facilitator for food businesses, streamlining the licensing and registration processes. With the advent of FoSCoS, the journey towards obtaining licenses has become more efficient and convenient, making it easier for food entrepreneurs to navigate the regulatory landscape. It acts as a single-window clearance system for all regulatory compliances related to food safety. FoSCoS simplifies the process of obtaining a food license and ensures transparency and accountability in the registration process.
Significance of Obtaining a Food License for Kirana/Grocery Stores
Obtaining a food license from FSSAI/FoSCoS ensures that Kirana/Grocery stores meet the prescribed standards of hygiene, sanitation and quality control.
A food license also enables Kirana/Grocery stores to establish trust and credibility among their customers. It demonstrates the store’s commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety, which can help in attracting and retaining customers. Additionally, having a valid food license protects Kirana/Grocery stores from legal implications and penalties in case of non-compliance with food safety regulations.
Understanding FSSAI/FoSCoS Food License Registration
The FSSAI/FoSCoS food license is a legal requirement for any food business operator (FBO) in India. It is a document issued by the FSSAI/FoSCoS that certifies the FBO’s compliance with the food safety and quality standards set by the authority. The license serves as proof that the FBO has met the necessary requirements and is authorised to carry out food-related activities.
The primary purpose of the FSSAI/FoSCoS food license is to protect consumers from unsafe and substandard food products. By obtaining a food license, Kirana/Grocery stores demonstrate their commitment to maintaining hygiene, quality control and safe food handling practices.
A. Different types of food licenses based on the scale of operations
The FSSAI/FoSCoS food licenses are categorised into three types based on the scale of operations:
Basic Registration: This is applicable to small-scale FBOs with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. It is suitable for Kirana/Grocery stores with limited food handling and processing activities.
State License: This type is required for medium-sized FBOs that have an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, mainly covering stores a moderate level of food processing and manufacturing activity.
Central License: This is mandatory for large-scale FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore. It is applicable to Kirana/Grocery stores with extensive food processing, manufacturing or import/export activities.
B. Eligibility criteria for Kirana/Grocery stores to apply for a food license
Kirana/Grocery stores are eligible to apply for an FSSAI/FoSCoS food license if they meet the following criteria:
- The store should have a valid premise that is suitable for food storage and handling.
- The store should have appropriate facilities for maintaining hygiene, such as clean water supply, proper waste disposal systems and pest control measures.
- The store should have trained staff who understand and implement food safety practices.
- The store should comply with the labelling and packaging requirements for the food products they handle.
Steps to Obtain FSSAI/FoSCoS Food License
The basic steps to obtain an FSSAI/FoSCoS license are:
- Preparing the required documents: To start the registration process, begin by gathering the essential documents like identity and address proof.
- Filling out the application form after creating an account on an online portal: Once your account is set up in the FSSAI portal, you need to fill out the application form.
- Uploading necessary documents and paying the registration fee: Upload the scanned copies of the required documents as per the checklist provided and pay the fees.
- Tracking the application status: The FSSAI/FoSCoS portal provides updates on the progress of the application, including verification, inspection and approval/rejection.
A. Common Challenges Faced During the Registration Process
Following are the usual issues faced in registration:
Document requirements and verification: Ensuring that all the required documents are in order and meeting the specified criteria can be challenging. Any discrepancies or missing documents can lead to delays or rejection of the application.
Technical issues with the online portal: Technical glitches or system errors in the FSSAI/FoSCoS portal can hinder the smooth completion of the registration process. It is essential to have patience and seek assistance from the designated helpline or support channels in such situations.
Delays in approval or rejection: The processing time for FSSAI/FoSCoS food license applications can vary and there might be delays in receiving approval or rejection. Factors such as the workload of the regulatory authority or additional scrutiny required can contribute to the delay.
Challenges and Solutions for Kirana/Grocery Stores
There are numerous challenges that a Kirana store may face in the process of obtaining a license from FSSAI. Some of them are:
Limited resources and knowledge about food safety: Many Kirana/Grocery stores operate on a small scale with limited resources and may lack the necessary knowledge about food safety practices and regulations.
Maintaining proper hygiene and storage practices: Ensuring proper hygiene and storage practices can be a challenge for Kirana/Grocery stores, especially when dealing with perishable items or managing inventory effectively.
Compliance with labelling and packaging requirements: Meeting the labelling and packaging requirements specified by FSSAI/FoSCoS, such as displaying accurate information about ingredients, nutritional values and expiry dates, can be challenging for small-scale stores.
A. Solutions and best practices for Kirana/Grocery stores to overcome these challenges
Training and awareness programs for store owners and staff: Kirana/Grocery store owners and staff should undergo training programs on food safety practices, including proper handling, storage and hygiene. This can be done through workshops, seminars or online courses provided by FSSAI or other authorised organisations.
Implementing robust food safety management systems: Kirana/Grocery stores can establish food safety management systems that include standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling, storage and cleanliness. Regular audits and inspections can help identify and rectify any shortcomings in the processes.
Partnering with suppliers who adhere to food safety standards: Kirana/Grocery stores should prioritise sourcing food products from reliable suppliers who follow food safety standards. Regular communication and evaluation of suppliers’ adherence to quality and safety standards can help ensure the products they receive meet the required standards.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an FSSAI/FoSCoS food license is crucial for Kirana/Grocery stores in India to ensure food safety and compliance with regulations. Despite the challenges they may face, such as limited resources and knowledge, stores can overcome them through training, robust systems and partnering with reliable suppliers.
Prioritising food safety not only protects consumers but also builds trust and credibility for the store, fostering long-term success.
For more details, connect with our experts at StartupFino.
