FSSAI

INTRODUCTION

FSSAI: Despite being one of the most in-demand industries, the food industry remains untrustworthy for average people. One of today’s most pressing issues is the adulteration, adding of additives, or contamination of natural food products. For practical and commercial reasons, low-quality adulterants are regularly added to food. To solve this issue, the Indian government formed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which controls, regulates, and inspects food firm operators’ manufacturing, storage, packaging, and handling practices. The primary goal of this ultimate power is to oversee and regulate food safety to safeguard and enhance public health.
This government agency is in charge of overseeing India’s food enterprises and ensuring they follow the rules. They must ensure that the food is pure and by the regulations. They are in charge of getting rid of bad food.

WHAT IS FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an independent organization recognized by the Indian government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, a former union minister, established the Food Safety and Standards Act of India (FSSAI) on August 5, 2011, by the law that was adopted in 2006.

The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 was created to improve food hygiene and quality. This law has had a significant impact on the food business. The authority has six regional offices, including ones in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai. According to the Act, starting or running a food business requires a license or registration with the FSSAI. As a result, any business that manufactures, processes, distributes, or packs food must now obtain an FSSAI License or Registration.

TYPES OF FSSAI REGISTRATION/LICENSE :

In India, the FSSAI grants three types of licenses.

FSSAI Basic Registration License -The State Government grants a basic Registration license to food industry operators such as petty food producers and small-scale manufacturers, storage facilities, transporters, merchants, marketers, and distributors having an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lacks. This license is valid for at least one year and up to five years. This registration can be finished in 7 days.

FSSAI State License – The State Government issues this license to SMEs involved in transportation, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing, and so on. The company must only operate in one state and make a minimum of Rs. 12 lacks in sales each year. The license is valid for at least one year and up to five years. The FSSAI’s state licensing application process takes 15 days to complete.

The FSSAI Central License is granted by the central government. If a food producer or importer has operations in more than one state, the owner of the business must get a Central License for their main office. This license is only available to FBOs with a yearly revenue of Rs. 20 crores. It has a minimum validity duration of one year and a maximum validity period of five years. Processing takes only 25 days.

FSSAI FUNCTIONS

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India performs the following functions:

Establishing Standards and Guidelines – All food manufacturing enterprises are required to follow the FSSAI’s cleanliness and food safety norms and regulations.

Granting License – To conduct any food-related business, the proprietor must get a certificate and license from the FSSAI.
Food must meet specific requirements and be of a certain caliber to be manufactured by all firms registered with the FSSAI.

Audits are undertaken regularly for food-producing and manufacturing enterprises to ensure that the standards meet the norms.
Raising Food Safety Awareness – The FSSAI educates and develops public awareness about the need of eating healthy food.

Keep Records and Data – Moreover, FSSAI requires all registered organizations to keep correct records and data up to date. Any violation of FSSAI criteria may result in the license being revoked.

Keeping the Government Informed – Any threat to food safety must be notified to the appropriate government officials for further action. Assist them in developing food safety policies as well.

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION?
The requirement for documents varies according to the type of FSSAI License. However, some major documents required are as follows

Copy of address proof (GST certificate /Electricity Bill)
Manufacturing process with flow chart
Manufacturing layout
Brand certification
Testing facility
Equipment list
Proof of possession of premises
NOC from the municipality and local body
NOC/PA issued by FSSAI
Contact Details of Directors
FSSAI Declaration form
Source of Milk, if applicable
Proof of possession of premises

PROCEDURE FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION
Documentation FSSAI Registration starts with the collection of required documents that are necessary for the registration.

Online submission of application – Once the required documents are collected, the next step is to generate the online portal on the FSSAI website and submit the application for registration to the food and safety department online.
Submission of (hardcopy) application – Additionally, send a paper copy of the application and supporting materials to the Department of Food and Safety.

Scrutiny – FSSAI officials will verify the application, and within 7 days of the application date, the department may accept or reject the application.

Inspection from FSSAI – After evaluating the papers, FSSAI officers will conduct the audit on the applicant’s property. (Optional)

Grant of FSSAI Certificate -The department will deliver a registration certificate with the applicant’s registration number and photo if the application is accepted.

FOR WHOM FSSAI LICENSE IS MANDATORY IN INDIA

An FSSAI license is required if you want to start a food processing, trading, repackaging, wholesaling, marketing, canteen, or restaurant. The following must obtain an FSSAI Registration or License by the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 :

All types of food manufacturer
Raw food supplier
Exporter and importer of food products
Food storage and packaging unit
Food traders
Food product retailers
Online Food business operators
Caters or Hotels
Food Products Transporter and Distributors
Wholesale food business operators

LEAD TIME FOR FSSAI LICENSE :
The timeline depends upon the type of license, which is as follows

Basic license – 7 days
State License – 15 – 30 days
Central license – 30-60 days

RENEWAL OF FSSAI LICENSE :
Depending on the application fee, the license’s validity might range from one to five years. A license must be renewed no later than 30 days before it expires.

1. How is the 2006 FSS Act enforced?

Ans: The FBO must guarantee compliance with the FSS Act, 2006, and any rules and regulations implemented under it.

2. How does enforcement take place?

Ans: As part of their enforcement operations, food safety agency officers conduct surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products.

3. Who is responsible for implementing and enforcing the FSSA, 2006? Or who is in charge of implementing the Food Laws in India?

Ans: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and State Food Agencies are jointly responsible for implementing and enforcing FSSA, 2006. Section 29 of the FSS Act of 2006 contains this information.

4. How does a customer make a complaint or submit a grievance?

Ans: Customers can contact the FSSAI in a variety of ways. Customers can voice their concerns and provide input on food safety issues such as poisoning, toxic, and poor food, as well as defects in food labeling and false claims made about a variety of food commodities.

5. How are state-level concerns handled?

Ans: After receiving the complaint or grievance, the Designated Officer may review it. If he determines that samples must be removed or a site inspection is required, he may forward the complaint or grievance to the appropriate food safety officer. The food safety officer may inspect the property or take samples based on the merits of the notification to the designated officer of the case.

7. In what circumstances can the DO revoke the license?

Ans: If the owner of the food facility fails to comply with the improvement notice, the DO may cancel the license after allowing the licensee to explain.

8. Can this Improvement notice, suspension, or cancellation of incense be challenged?

Ans: Any FBO that is dissatisfied with an improvement notice has the option of appealing to the state commissioner of food safety, whose decision is final. This can be challenged in his home state’s or the United State’s highest court, as well as the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal.