The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products consumed by the vast population of India. The FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and is responsible for setting standards, regulating food safety, and issuing licenses and registrations for food businesses across the country.

FSSAI licenses and registrations are essential for any entity involved in the food business, ranging from manufacturers and distributors to retailers and importers. The primary objective of this regulatory framework is to guarantee that the food consumed by the public meets established safety and quality standards.

Obtaining an FSSAI license or registration involves a systematic process that varies based on the scale and nature of the food business. For small-scale businesses or startups with an annual turnover below a specified limit, FSSAI registration is mandatory. This process is relatively straightforward, requiring basic details of the business and its operations. Once registered, these businesses receive a 14-digit registration number that must be displayed on food packages.

On the other hand, medium to large-scale food businesses with turnovers exceeding the prescribed limit must obtain an FSSAI license. The license is categorized into three types: State License, Central License, and Registration for Multi-State Operations. The type of license depends on the scale and nature of the business.

The application process for an FSSAI license involves submitting detailed information about the food business, including its premises, manufacturing processes, and the categories of food products involved. Additionally, a food safety management system and testing reports for the products may be required. The FSSAI meticulously reviews these applications to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

One of the critical aspects of FSSAI registration and licensing is adherence to food safety standards and hygiene practices. This includes maintaining proper hygiene in processing units, ensuring the quality of raw materials, and conducting regular testing of the final food products. FSSAI regularly conducts inspections and audits to verify compliance with these standards, promoting a culture of continuous improvement within the food industry.

The benefits of obtaining an FSSAI license or registration are numerous. Firstly, it instills consumer confidence by assuring the safety and quality of the food products. Displaying the FSSAI license number on packaging serves as a visible mark of compliance, enhancing the credibility of the brand. Moreover, FSSAI compliance is often a prerequisite for partnerships with retailers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the food supply chain.

For businesses involved in the export of food products, FSSAI registration or licensing is crucial for meeting international standards. Many countries require proof of compliance with the food safety regulations of the exporting country, and an FSSAI license serves as this testament for Indian food businesses.

While FSSAI registration and licensing offer numerous advantages, non-compliance can result in severe consequences, including fines, product recalls, and even the closure of the business. Therefore, it is imperative for food businesses to prioritize FSSAI compliance from the outset.

In conclusion, FSSAI registration and licensing are integral components of the regulatory framework governing the food industry in India. Beyond being a legal requirement, these processes ensure that the food consumed by the public meets stringent safety and quality standards. Businesses that prioritize FSSAI compliance not only contribute to public health but also position themselves for credibility, trust, and success in the competitive food market.

Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration?

The Food Business Operators (FBOs) carrying on the following kinds of the food business must have FSSAI License/Registration:

• Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snacks shops, Confectionery or Bakery shops, etc
• Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premises are involved in preparing, storing, distributing, and selling food products.
• Hawkers sell packaged or freshly prepared food by traveling from one location to another.
• Dairy Units, including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors
• Slaughtering house
• Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and unit
• All Food Manufacturing units that include Repacking food
• Vegetable Oil Processing Units
• Proprietary food and Novel food
• Cold/refrigerated storage facility
• Transporter of food products having several specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc
• Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products
• Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars
• Canteens and Cafeteria, including mid-day meal canteens
• Food Vending Agencies and Caterers
• Dhaba, PG provides food, a Banquet hall with food catering arrangements, Home Based Canteen, and Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.
• Importers and Exporters of food items and food ingredients
• E-Commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens
• Eligibility Criteria for Food Business Registration/License
• The document attached here provides eligibility criteria for Food Business Registration/License.