Food Safety was one of the measure issues in India before 2006. But after the law for food safety came in 2006, this issue has been resolved up to a certain extent. This law is known as the FSS Act of 2006. Here FSS means Food Safety and Standards. Under this law an authority has been established in the country in order to implement the same law properly in India. This authority is popularly known as FSSAI. It is the responsibility of this authority to look after whether the food safety laws have been followed in India or not.
Mainly there are three types of FSSAI License prescribed under the food safety and standards law. All these three types of FSSAI Licenses have been issued by the authority called FSSAI. These licenses are a kind of permission, which has been taken by the owner of the food business in order to do business in the market. If anybody is caught running a food business without obtaining FSSAI License Registration, they may be liable for the penalty. Hence as a food business owner you must take care of all the things which have been given under the FSS Act of 2006.
What is FSSAI?
In order to make the Indian food industry free from adulteration and maintain the quality of food, the government , after combining all the food safety laws, came up with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Under the same law an authority to look after the laws and regulation regarding food safety and hygiene has been formed which is known as FSSAI. There are many roles and responsibilities on this authority out of which one is issuing different types of FSSAI Licenses. It is one of the crucial or important parts of the food industry. Hence a food business owner must be aware about this authority called FSSAI.
Purpose of FSSAI License
Some of the key responsibilities of the FSSAI authority are mentioned or discussed below:
- FSSAI is responsible for maintaining the quality and safety of food products in India.
- FSSAI issues licenses and registrations to food businesses
- Ensures that all the food businesses are complying with safety standards and regulations.
- FSSAI conducts regular monitoring and surveillance
- FSSAI educates consumers and food businesses about food safety practices to enhance awareness and compliance.
- FSSAI engages in research activities to stay updated on emerging food safety issues
- FSSAI enforces compliance with food safety standards through inspections, audits, regulatory measures and issuing different types of FSSAI Licenses
- FSSAI has the authority to recall or take food items off the market if they are found to be unsafe or violate regulations.
- FSSAI works on building the capacity of food businesses and regulatory authorities to ensure effective implementation of food safety measures.
- FSSAI collaborates with international organizations to align Indian food safety standards with global best practices.
- FSSAI addresses consumer complaints related to food safety and takes necessary actions against non-compliant businesses.
What are the Types of FSSAI Licenses?
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, there are three types of FSSAI licenses which has been discussed below in detail:
General FSSAI License
General FSSAI License is applicable on those businesses which are small in size. Such businesses cover the petty food businesses. Petty food businesses include street food stalls, tea stalls, panipuri thelas, small sweet shops, vegetable vendors, fruit vendors, etc. such kind of businesses having annual turnover of Rs. 12 lakhs or less than that. It cannot be more than such figures. If it went up to that limit then the General FSSAI License will not be applicable. It may go to the other category.
State FSSAI License
In this category of food license mid-sized business will fall. State FSSAI License is applicable on those businesses whose yearly revenue is more than Rs. 12 lakhs but less than Rs. 20 Crores. If the turnover went more that Rs. 20 crores it will not be the part of the eligibility criteria of the State FSSAI License. Businesses which fall under this criteria may cover the processing units, retail and wholesale food businesses, canteens, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Central FSSAI License
Central FSSAI License is one of the highest licenses given under the FSSAI law. These licenses are applicable on those businesses which are big in size and whose turnover is more than Rs. 20 crores. How big businesses will fall under the eligibility criteria of the Central Food License, it is very pertinent through the turnover limit of the Central FSSAI License. Under this processing businesses, manufacturing food businesses, five star hotels, etc will fall.
Types of FSSAI Licenses as per the Food Businesses
There are different types of food business and accordingly there are different types of FSSAI Licenses in India. Some of the types of FSSAI License according to food business are discussed below:
- FSSAI License for importer which is mandatory for businesses involved in importing food items. It ensures compliance with food safety standards for imported products.
- FSSAI License for exporter which is required for businesses engaged in the export of food products. It ensures adherence to international food safety regulations.
- FSSAI License for caterers which is essential for catering businesses, including those in institutional catering, like school and office cafeterias. It ensures the safety and hygiene of food served.
- FSSAI License for hotels which is applicable to hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses. It ensures compliance with food safety standards for their food services.
- FSSAI License for restaurants which is required for standalone restaurants, cafes, and eateries. It ensures food safety and hygiene in their operations.
- FSSAI License for food processing units which is mandatory for businesses involved in the processing of food products. It is applicable to manufacturers and processors of various food items.
- FSSAI License for dairy units for businesses engaged when milk and dairy products are processed. It ensures the safety and quality of dairy products.
- FSSAI License for meat processing units is required for businesses involved in the processing of meat and meat products. It ensures compliance with food safety standards in meat processing.
- FSSAI License for storage units is applicable to businesses operating food storage warehouses. It ensures proper storage conditions to maintain the quality and safety of food products.
How to Obtain Different Types of FSSAI Licenses?
Follow the steps given below in order to obtain different types of FSSAI License. In order to get any kind of FSSAI License the procedure is somewhat similar. The general process to obtain license is given below:
- Collect all the required documents
- Visit the FSSAI’s official website or portal.
- Make an application after choosing the Form. different forms are there for different types of FSSAI Licenses, hence the applicant must choose accordingly
- After completing the application check it once and attach all the documents with the application
- Now submit the application before the competent authority after paying the requisite fees
- Now the application will be verified by the competent authority
- After the successful verification your license will be issued
Conclusion
FSSAI is vital to maintaining the nation’s food supply’s safety and quality. FSSAI was created in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, and it oversees and supervises food enterprises in addition to issuing all three types of FSSAI licenses based on the needs of the business. It enforces compliance with food safety standards. The three main types of FSSAI licenses include General, State, and Central FSSAI Licenses. They are designed to cater to businesses of different sizes. These licenses are essential for various food-related activities, from small street vendors to large-scale food processing units. Obtaining an FSSAI license is not only a legal requirement but also ensures consumer trust, credibility, and adherence to quality standards, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the public.
