The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licence holds immense significance for dairy product firms. The FSSAI licence plays a vital role as a certification, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality and legality of manufactured, processed, stored and distributed products. It stands as a proof of strict compliance with rigorous food safety and quality standards, while safeguarding against contamination, promoting hygiene and prioritising consumer safety.
Many retailers, distributors and institutional buyers demand suppliers to have a valid FSSAI licence, which opens the door to market entry and expansion. Furthermore, having an FSSAI licence distinguishes the company from unauthorised competitors by serving as a symbol of quality, safety and professionalism. As a result, having an FSSAI licence is critical for dairy product enterprises to ensure compliance, consumer trust, legal duties, market access and a competitive edge.
Explaining FSSAI Licence for Dairy Products
The FSSAI licence, granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the FSSAI Act of 2006, is an important certification for dairy product companies which is meant to ensure compliance with the strict standards set by the body and thereby help in maintaining hygiene and highest standards in the kitchen and industry.
Types of FSSAI Licence for Dairy Products
The FSSAI offers three types of licences for dairy product businesses:
1. Basic Registration: For small-scale dairy product firms with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs, suited for local or city-level operations.
2. State Licence: The state licence applies to dairy product firms having an annual revenue of Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 20 crores. It is required for enterprises operating in a single or many Indian states.
3. Central Licence: Dairy product enterprises having an annual revenue of more than Rs. 20 crores are required to obtain a central licence. It applies to enterprises who operate in different states or engage in dairy import-export activity.
Applicability of FSSAI Licence for Different Dairy Product Businesses in India
The requirement for an FSSAI licence applies to a wide range of dairy product businesses in India, including:
- Milk Processing Units: Dairy plants involved in milk collection, processing and packaging.
- Milk Product Manufacturing: Companies that make dairy products like cheese, butter, ghee, etc.
- Dairy Product Wholesalers and Retailers: Companies that do business of distributing and selling dairy products.
- Dairy Product Exporters and Importers: Companies that import or export dairy products.
- Dairy Product Re-packers: Entities that purchase bulk dairy products and repackage them for sale.
Preparing for FSSAI Licence Application for Dairy Products and Necessary Compliances
The following steps must be followed to prepare for applying for a licence from the food regulatory body:
Choosing the Correct Licence Category
Dairy product businesses must first determine the appropriate licence category based on their scope of operations and turnover before applying for an FSSAI licence. Depending on the annual turnover and geographical reach of the business, this can comprise basic registration, state licence or central licence.
Compliance Requirements for Dairy Products
When drafting an FSSAI licence application for dairy enterprises and their products, it is very important to understand and meet the FSSAI’s compliance standards. These requirements include the following below mentioned points:
- Food Safety and Quality requirements: Dairy product enterprises must adhere to the FSSAI’s specific food safety and quality requirements. This includes ensuring correct cleanliness, hygiene practices and quality control methods throughout the dairy product’s production, processing and storage.
- Packaging and Labelling standards: The FSSAI has special standards for dairy product packaging and labelling. Businesses must follow these criteria, which contain ingredients, nutritional values, allergies, batch numbers, manufacturing dates and expiry dates. Proper labelling fosters openness and assists consumers in making educated decisions.
- Manufacturing and Processing Guidelines: To ensure the quality and safety of their products, dairy firms must adhere to the FSSAI’s manufacturing and processing guidelines. This involves proper raw material handling, sanitary processing processes, temperature control during production and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practises (GMP).
- Storage and Transportation Regulations: Dairy products must be stored and transported properly in order to retain their quality and safety. Businesses must follow FSSAI requirements for storage conditions, temperature control, transportation cleanliness and anti-contamination measures during storage and delivery.
Detailed Process for Obtaining FSSAI Licence for Dairy Products
The process for obtaining a FSSAI licence for dairy products involves the following:
Documentation and Paperwork required in the process
- Application Form and Annexures: Begin by filling out the FSSAI application form completely and accurately. The application must include annexures such as a declaration form, food safety management system plan, list of directors/partners and a list of machinery and equipment utilised in the firm.
- Documents for Business Registration: Along with the application, submit the essential business registration documentation. These documents may include the certificate of incorporation, partnership agreement, memorandum of association or any other relevant documents establishing the legal standing of the business.
- Food Safety Management System Plan: Create a detailed food safety management system plan outlining the procedures and regulations in place to ensure food safety in the firm. This plan should cover aspects such as hygiene practices, handling of raw materials, quality control measures and documentation of processes.
- Product Information and Labelling Specifications: Provide specifics about the products being manufactured or marketed, such as their ingredients, nutritional values, batch numbers and labelling specifications. Check that the labelling follows FSSAI requirements and includes all needed information.
- Municipality or Local Body No Objection Certificate (NOC): Depending on the location of the business, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the municipality or the local body may be necessary. This certificate indicates that the premises fulfil the necessary criteria and confirms conformity with local rules.
Inspection and Verification Process
- Pre-inspection Requirements: Prior to the inspection, ensure that all required infrastructure, equipment and processes are in place to meet FSSAI standards. This includes keeping suitable cleanliness, hygiene and storage conditions in place, as well as having all necessary documents on hand.
- On-site Inspection and Assessment: FSSAI officials inspect the premises to ensure compliance with food safety and quality requirements. They assess infrastructure, production procedures, storage facilities, hygiene practices and documentation, among other things. Cooperation with the inspectors is crucial, as is addressing any concerns they may have.
- Laboratory Testing of Samples, if Needed: The FSSAI may request laboratory testing of product samples in some situations to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Ensure that the samples are representative of the products being manufactured or sold.
Timelines and Fees Involved
1. Application Processing Time: The processing time for an FSSAI licence application varies depending on the type of licence and the application’s completeness. The FSSAI typically takes 30 to 60 days to process and award the licence.
2. Licence Fee Structure: The FSSAI assesses a price for issuing the licence, which varies based on the type of licence and the income of the firm. The FSSAI specifies the fee structure, which must be paid together with the application. Ensure that the payments are paid in the correct format and within the timeframe indicated.
Renewal and Compliance with FSSAI Licence
After the process of obtaining a licence is complete, it is necessary to understand the obligations for renewal and subsequent compliances that follow:
Renewal Process and Timelines:
Once you have obtained your initial FSSAI licence, you must renew it before it expires. The renewal process includes submitting the required documentation and money to the FSSAI within the date indicated. Renewal deadlines vary based on the type of licence and are normally good for 1-5 years. Keep note of the licence’s expiration date and initiate the renewal process well in advance to assure the continuity of business activities.
Importance of Adhering to FSSAI Rules and laws
Adhering to FSSAI laws and standards is absolutely crucial for dairy operations. Compliance is the key to meeting the standards that govern the creation, processing, storage and delivery of products, ultimately ensuring consumers of their safety and satisfaction. Moreover, it goes beyond that – it helps organisations build a solid market reputation, enhance brand value and foster lasting relationships with customers.
Non-compliance Consequences:
Noncompliance with FSSAI laws can have serious ramifications for dairy operations. Penalties, fines, cancellation or suspension of the FSSAI licence, legal action, reputational damage and loss of consumer trust are all possible outcomes. Non-compliant firms may potentially face closure or prohibition of operations in some situations. To avoid such consequences, dairy enterprises must prioritise compliance and make constant efforts to satisfy the required requirements.
Entrepreneurs can use StartupFino’s professional aid and advice for the renewal and necessary compliances associated with FSSAI licence. Our team of professionals can provide support throughout the entire application process to make certain that your business doesn’t face any issues with the food regulatory authorities and customer confidence is also maintained.
Final Thoughts
Having an FSSAI licence is significant for dairy products to ensure compliance with food safety and quality criteria, create consumer trust and operate legally. The usual process comprises documentation, inspection and verification, as well as time and cost considerations. Renewal and compliance with FSSAI legislation are both required for the licence to remain valid, food safety standards to be met and penalties to be avoided.
Dairy businesses that emphasise FSSAI compliance not only meet regulatory requirements, but also improve their market reputation, gain consumer trust and ensure the production and delivery of safe and high-quality dairy products.
For more details on FSSAI Licence for dairy products, connect with our experts at StartupFino.
