FSSAI
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 established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It was founded by former Union Minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss through the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and formally came into effect on August 5, 2011.
The Act was introduced to enhance food hygiene, safety, and quality standards across India. It brought a unified law to regulate the food industry and ensure consumer protection. FSSAI has six regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai.
As per the FSSAI Act, any business involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or retail of food products is required to register with or obtain a license from FSSAI. This ensures that the food supplied to the public meets safety and hygiene benchmarks.
Types Of FSSAI Registratin/License
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 lakhs. 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 lakhs 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.
FSSAI Central License
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
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 quality standards.
Audits
Regular audits are undertaken for food-producing enterprises to ensure that the practices meet safety and hygiene standards.
Raising food safety awareness
FSSAI educates the public and promotes awareness about the importance of consuming safe and healthy food.
Keeping records and data
All registered organizations must maintain accurate records. Violations may result in license cancellation or penalties.
Keeping the government informed
Any threat to food safety must be reported to government bodies. FSSAI helps shape future food safety policies.
What are the documents required for FSSAI registration?
The required documents may vary based on the type of FSSAI license. However, the following are commonly required:
- Copy of address proof (GST certificate / Electricity bill)
- Manufacturing process with flow chart
- Manufacturing layout
- Brand certification
- Testing facility details
- Equipment list
- Proof of possession of premises
- NOC from municipality and local body
- NOC / PA issued by FSSAI
- Contact details of directors
- FSSAI declaration form
- Source of milk, if applicable
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 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 may conduct an audit of the applicant’s premises. (Optional)
- Grant of FSSAI Certificate – If the application is accepted, the department will issue a registration certificate with the applicant’s registration number and photo.
For Whom FSSAI License is Mandatory in India
An FSSAI license is mandatory if you intend to start a food processing, trading, repackaging, wholesaling, marketing, canteen, or restaurant business. According to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, the following entities must obtain FSSAI registration or license:
- • All types of food manufacturers
- • Raw food suppliers
- • Exporters and importers of food products
- • Food storage and packaging units
- • Food traders
- • Food product retailers
- • Online food business operators
- • Caterers or hotels
- • Food product transporters and distributors
- • Wholesale food business operators
Lead Time for FSSAI License
The timeline for obtaining an FSSAI license depends on the type of license applied for:
- 1. Basic License – 7 days
- 2. State License – 15 to 30 days
- 3. Central License – 30 to 60 days
Renewal of FSSAI License
Depending on the application fee, the FSSAI license’s validity can range from 1 to 5 years. It is mandatory to renew the license at least 30 days before its expiry to avoid penalties or cancellation.
FSSAI FAQs
