Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, is the regulatory body established by the Government of India to regulate and monitor food safety standards in India. All food business operators and owners must register with FSSAI and obtain FSSAI licenses.
Food Business Operators must obtain an FSSAI license to ensure that they follow good hygiene and safety practices. The license number is printed on every food package.
Types of FSSAI Registration in India
Three types of FSSAI registrations exist. The three categories are further divided into Central and State registrations. They provide eligibility criteria to apply for licenses to different food businesses.
1- Registration with the FSSAI
Depending on eligibility criteria, the state government issues the FSSAI Registration to small-scale manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors.
2- Registration with the FSSAI at the central level
A Central Food License is required for import-export oriented units, large manufacturers, central government agencies, airports, and ports with an annual turnover greater than 20 crores. The Central Government issues the license, which is valid for five years.
3- Registration with the State FSSAI
There is a requirement for FSSAI State Registration for small and medium-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors. The State License is available to food business operators with annual turnovers of over 12 lakhs. It is valid for a period of up to five years.
Can Anyone Obtain a FSSAI License Or Registration?
State registration and Central registration have different eligibility criteria. These factors include turnover, production capacity, state, and premises. The following establishments and FBOs are eligible to apply:
- Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering.
- Small-scale cottage industries exist.
- Food stall
- Restaurants, dhabas, bars, and PGs provide food.
- Food wholesaler, supplier, distributor, and marketer.
- Cafeterias and canteens
- Milk chilling units that can handle or process milk from 501 litres per day (LPD) to 50,000 LPD or 2.5 million tons of milk solids each year.
- Units for processing vegetable oil
- Solvent extraction and refinery units for vegetable oils, including oil expeller units that produce up to 2 MT per day or have an annual turnover of Rs 12 lakh and above.
- Units for slaughtering animals more significant than 2 and up to 50 in case of large animals
- The slaughtering of small animals with a capacity of more than ten or up to 150 animals.
- Units for slaughtering poultry birds with a capacity of more than 50 and up to 1000 birds per day.
- Units can process up to 500 kg of meat per day or 150 MT per year.
What are the Documents Required for FSSAI registration or licensing
The following documents are required for FSSAI registration in India:
- B-Form
- The processing unit’s plan
- Directors or partners’ list
- Equipment and machinery names and lists
- Foods to be manufactured
- Water analysis report
- Raw material source
- Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce for 100% EOU in the case of a central registration
- FSSAI’s NOC
- IX form
- In case of main registration, a certificate from the Ministry of Tourism is required
- Possession proof
- Deed of partnership
- The manufacturer is NOC
Online Registration Procedure to Obtain FSSAI Food License
1- Small-scale FBOs must submit FORM A and all the required documents on the official website. A fee of Rs. 100 is required.
2- The applicant receives a UARN (Unique Application Reference Number) after submitting the online form.
3- It is possible for the Food and Safety Authority to reject or grant the FSSAI registration in India within seven days of submitting the form. If left, the authority must record the reason for rejection.
4- Within 30 days of submitting the online form, the authorities inspect the premises to ensure that standard health and safety guidelines are followed.
5- After inspecting the premises, the Registering Authority issues the FSSAI Registration Certificate.
Benefits of FSSAI License or Registration
Food Safety regulations in India are governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS), 2006. The FSSAI has different laws governing the labelling and packaging of food products. Labelling and packaging guidelines are provided by the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 2011.
- A licence provides credibility to the establishment. It improves customer relations and business operations. A new generation of consumers is aware and mindful of what they consume.
- Licences are granted after tedious verification and inspection by the FSSAI.
- The FSSAI licence regulates all processes involved in the food industry. It streamlines the production, manufacture, and distribution of products.
Conclusion
In summation, obtaining an FSSAI license or registration India is necessary for all food businesses in India. It guarantees that the provisions and quality standards set out by the FSSAI abide by your foodstuff. This article provides instructions and qualification criteria for applying for and securing an FSSAI license. Remember to make your products and business materials prominently display the 14-digit unique number issued by the FSSAI for compliance with regulations.
