Zomato helps you find restaurants and their menus, letting you order food through its app. You can even see what others say about these places. The app works by taking a commission from restaurants for every order made through it. Yet, these restaurants need an FSSAI licence for Zomato. The Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations, 2018, outlines the legal obligation for any FBO engaged in food business delivery services through e-commerce platforms to acquire an FSSAI registration/licence.
Mandatory FSSAI Licence for Zomato
With the surge in the popularity of online food aggregators, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has imposed a mandatory requirement for digital Food Business Operators like Zomato, Swiggy, and UberEats to obtain an FSSAI licence or FSSAI registration.
Obligation for Zomato and Listed Restaurants
Consequently, both Zomato and the restaurants featured on the Zomato app are obligated to possess an FSSAI licence for Zomato. This requirement is crucial in ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations, encompassing rules, inspections, third-party audits, and food testing processes. The FSSAI licence serves as a tool for food safety authorities to monitor and enforce adherence to regulatory standards by food delivery platforms and the restaurants operating on these platforms.
Benefits of FSSAI Licence for Zomato
Gaining FSSAI licence for Zomato offers numerous advantages for restaurants and cloud kitchens operating on platforms like Zomato. These benefits extend beyond mere compliance and contribute significantly to the overall success and reputation of the business.
1. Trust in the Market:
Obtaining FSSAI registration is instrumental in building trust in the market. Genuine communication becomes a cornerstone, allowing businesses to provide better services and assure customers of the safety and quality of the food they offer.
2. Legal Benefits:
FSSAI certification goes beyond individual businesses; it encourages development in specific regions. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of legal enforcement and control in the future, creating a more structured and regulated food industry.
3. Access to Government Funding and Loans:
FSSAI registration opens doors to government funding and loans, providing business owners with financial support that is crucial for growth and sustainability.
4. Use of FSSAI Logo:
The utilization of the FSSAI mark on products is more than a regulatory requirement; it serves as a marketing tool. This simple act enhances consumer trust and goodwill, signalling a commitment to food safety.
5. Brand Value:
Instantly upon obtaining FSSAI registration, a business’s brand value sees a significant boost. The recognition from a reputable food safety authority elevates the perceived value of the brand in the eyes of consumers.
6. Business Growth:
The FSSAI licence not only ensures compliance but also provides businesses with more flexibility. It grants them the right to expand their operations geographically, contributing to overall business growth.
7. Governmental Acknowledgment:
The acknowledgment of FSSAI registration by the government of India is a powerful endorsement. It not only builds customer trust but also expands the consumer base, as customers are more likely to choose businesses that adhere to government-recognised standards.
8. Safety in the Food Industry:
FSSAI registration places a strong emphasis on customer safety in the food industry. It assures customers that the business follows stringent regulations to maintain the highest standards of food safety.
9. Government Assistance in Non-Compliance Issues:
In the event of any future non-compliance issues, the government intervenes and offers assistance to the enterprise. This proactive approach helps businesses address challenges and maintain compliance.
10. Business Improvement:
Beyond regulatory compliance, FSSAI registration serves as a catalyst for business improvement. It attracts a valuable clientele and enables businesses to grow on a larger scale, fostering long-term success in the competitive food industry.
Types of FSSAI Licence
For restaurants and cloud kitchens seeking to join the Zomato app and facilitate food orders, obtaining the appropriate FSSAI licence for Zomato based on their annual turnover is a prerequisite. There are three main types of FSSAI licences, as per the financial scale of the establishment.
1. FSSAI Basic Registration:
– Eligibility: Restaurants with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs.
– Requirement: Obtain the FSSAI basic registration before registering on the Zomato app.
2. FSSAI State Licence:
– Eligibility: Restaurants with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakhs but below Rs. 20 crores.
– Requirement: Apply for an FSSAI state licence to meet the regulatory criteria for Zomato registration.
3. FSSAI Central Licence:
– Eligibility: Restaurants with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores.
– Requirement: File for the FSSAI central licence to ensure compliance with the Zomato app registration process.
Documents Required for FSSAI Licence for Zomato
The documents needed for FSSAI licence for Zomato are as follows:
FSSAI Basic Registration
1. Proof of Possession of Cooking Premises:
Rental agreement, sale deed, etc.
2. List of Foods Provided
FSSAI State Licence
1. Proof of Possession of Cooking Premises
2. List of Foods Provided
3. Food Safety Management System Certificate or Plan
4. Proof of Expected Annual Turnover
5. Address and Photo ID Proof of Authorised Signatory
Government-issued ID proof.
6. Analysis Report of Water Used in Food Preparation
From a recognized or public health laboratory.
FSSAI Central Licence
1. Identity Proof
Voter’s ID, ration card, passport, PAN card, driving licence, or Aadhaar card.
2. Food Safety Management System Certificate or Plan
3. Proof of Possession of Cooking Premises
4. Business Structure Documents
Partnership deed, Memorandum and Articles of association, or self-declaration.
5. Import/Export Code (IEC), if Applicable
6. Certificate of Product Approval
7. Licences from Local Authorities
Panchayath licence, trade licence, corporation licence, or municipality licence.
8. Animal Husbandry Ministry Permit
9. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from FSSAI Authority
For food quality and regulatory compliances.
FSSAI Licence for Zomato – Information
FSSAI Licence Type: Central Licence
Licence Number: 10019064001810
Authorised Food Products:
1. Dairy Products and Analogues:
– Excluding products of food category 2.0.
2. Edible Ices:
– Including sherbet and sorbet.
3. Fats and Oils, and Fat Emulsions:
4. Fruits and Vegetables, Nuts and Seeds, Seaweed:
5. Confectionery:
6. Cereal and Cereal Products:
– Derived from roots and tubers, cereal grains, pulses, legumes, and pith or soft core of palm tree, excluding bakery wares.
7. Bakery Products:
8. Meat and Meat Products:
– Including poultry.
9. Fish and Fish Products:
– Including crustaceans, molluscs, and echinoderms.
10. Eggs and Egg Products:
11. Sweeteners:
– Including honey.
12. Salts, Spices, Soups, Sauces, Salads, and Protein Products:
13. Foodstuffs Intended for Particular Nutritional Uses:
14. Beverages:
– Excluding dairy products.
15. Ready-to-Eat Savouries:
16. Prepared Foods:
Accessing Zomato FSSAI Licence Details
To view the details of the FSSAI licence for Zomato on the FoSCoS website:
1. Click on the ‘FBO Search’ option on the homepage.
2. Enter the ‘Licence/Registration Certificate No.’ and ‘Captcha Code’.
3. Click on the ‘Search’ button.
4. The Zomato FSSAI licence details will be displayed on the screen.
Final Thoughts
Zomato, in adherence to FSSAI regulations, holds a central licence (Licence Number: 10019064001810) authorising the sale of a diverse range of food products. These include dairy products, edible ices, fats and oils, fruits, vegetables, confectionery, bakery items, meats, fish, eggs, sweeteners, spices, beverages, and more. The FSSAI licence for Zomato ensures that Zomato meets stringent food safety standards, providing consumers with confidence in the quality and safety of the products offered. Individuals can easily verify the details of Zomato’s FSSAI licence on the FoSCoS website, reinforcing transparency and accountability in the online food delivery platform’s operations.