Food Licence: A Key Aspect of Compliance in the Food Industry

The First important requirement to start a food business in India is obtaining a food licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for preparing, manufacturing, packaged food distribution or transporting food. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Regulation, 2011 governs the FSSAI Safety Registration and Licensing Process.

Compliance related to FSSAI is a vital aspect of a Food Business Operator, It shows that the product manufactured/imported/marketed is according to the standards and regulations of the country. It shows that the product is complying to the regulations and avoids any legal actions for the food business operator.

Chief Objective Of The Food Safety And Standards:-

Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI), 2006, obligates all food business operators to adhere to certain FSSAI compliances. The fundamental agreement is to attain FSSAI Licence and function under the FSSAI Regulations, 2011. To begin the activities of farming, manufacturing, selling, retailing, labeling, the food business operatives must obtain the FSSAI Licence first. The sole purpose of the Act is to verify the safety, cleanliness, and hygienic standards of food goods obtainable by Operators of Food Businesses. Thus, protecting the awareness of civilization.

Food Safety Compliance System (FOSCOS):-

The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), a digital platform that enables food enterprises in India to register and obtain Licences, was created by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a complete system that encourages responsibility, efficacy, and transparency in the food industry to guarantee adherence to food safety laws.

FoSCoS was first presented in 2011, and it has since undergone multiple revisions and tweaks to improve its functionality and convenience of use .We will look at the main characteristics and advantages of FoSCoS in this post, as well as how it has helped to streamline the Indian food industry.

The Food Safety Compliance System has the following aims:-

• To create a centralized system for registrations and compliances with respect to the food industry for the food business operators.
• To enable online applications in addition to physical alternatives.
• To replace the former Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS), which was deemed inefficient by many.
• To simplify the process of registrations for food business operations.

Food Safety Compliance System fundamental elements:-

Following are the important features of the new Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)

• a system architecture that can be expanded to accommodate future updates, module additions, faster processing, and more user traffic.
• FoSCoS is a comprehensive FSSAI application process designed to make interaction with different food safety compliance portals easier.
• A paradigm change in licensing for manufacturers involves selecting standard items rather than entering data into text field.
• smart search options for Licence Eligibility requirements and Standardized Products.
• A new module will allow you to electronically submit annual returns rather than mailing them .To ensure smooth operations, FoSCoS now has access to inspection reports (from FoSCoRIS).
• FBOs provide PAN Numbers, CIN numbers and GST numbers through the FoSCos application form for future authentication.

Advantages of FOSCOS:-

Improved compliance: it has made it easier for businesses to comply with India’s food safety laws. Real-time reporting, online training courses, and a shortened registration and licensing procedure all aid in keeping the food industry abreast of the most recent rules and industry best practices.

Enhanced transparency: FoSCoS promotes transparency by keeping a centralized database of all food businesses and their compliance status. Customers are better able to assess the food they consume. By which regulatory agencies are better able to monitor and enforce compliance.

Better monitoring and enforcement :In order for regulatory authorities to respond appropriately in the event of noncompliance, FOSCOS provides real-time reporting and monitoring of food safety compliance.

Time and cost savings: FOSCOS has decreased the time and cost required for obtaining food business licence and following safety regulations. Paper applications are no longer necessary thanks to the internet platform, which reduces processing time and costs. One of the primary advantages of FOSCOS is the streamlined and faster registration and licensing process for food enterprises. Obtaining a food Licence used to be a time-consuming process that included physical application forms, document submissions, and repeated trips to licensing. FOSCOS conducts the entire process online, and they have built the system to guide users through the registration process step by step. This has cut processing time and expenses, allowing small enterprises to access the market more easily.

The FOSCOS registration process:

FOSCOS requires Food Business Operators to register in order to access its services. The process of registration involves a few simple steps, as follows:

1. The business operator needs to visit the official handle of the food Safety Compliance System.
2. The operator then needs to select the Sign-Up option provided on the web page for new registration .
3. The Food Business Operator is required to provide all necessary details for their operations or business, including their email address and mobile number.
4. The Operator must enter the code sent to his email address and mobile number to verify them.
5. The Food Business Operator can log into their account on the system using their credentials after the code they submitted is verified.

The FOSCOS registration process for petty food business operators:

The process for petty food business operators is slightly different as follows:

1. The operator needs to apply for a certificate of Registration after logging into their account through the usual procedure.
2. The operator needs to verify their email address and mobile number by entering the code sent to them, respectively.
3. Specific details must be inserted by petty Food Business Operators.
   

Food Business Operators who have registered on FOSCOS portal can register with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Depending on the size and type of the business, the following are some tips for applying  an online FSSAI Licence check or for registration:

• The food business operator needs to access the FOSCOS portal and fill out the application form for FSSAI registration (Form A). Additionally, they may be required to fill out Form B’s application for State or Central Licence under FSSAI. Both applications are available at the FOSCOS portal.
• You have to submit the application on the FOSCOS portal, along with all required documents.
• The Food and Safety Department, after due scrutiny, accept the application or reject it within a time period that is seven days. The department may carry out additional inspections if they so choose.
• After the food business operator receives the FSSAI registration certificate, it will be accessible at the FOSCOS portal. They must display the certificate at their place of business during operational hours..

FOSCOS Fee Structure:

The fees payable for registration under FSSAI depends on the nature of the food business operator. For basic registrations, the fee payable is 1,000 rupees. For State Licences, the fee ranges between 2,500 rupees to 5,000 rupees, determined by the type of business. Central Licences require a fee payment of 7,500 rupees.

Conclusion

The FSSAI’s compliance extends to action against food businesses that do not meet the prescribed food safety standards. It includes penalties, fines or even legal action in severe cases of non compliance. This protects consumers from emerging health risks and establishes a sense of responsibility and accountability among food industry owners.