The First important requirement for starting a food business in India is to obtain a food licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for preparing, manufacturing, packaged food distribution and transporting food. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Regulation, 2011 governs the FSSAI safety Registration and Licensing Process. FSSAI registration certificate is necessary for all the food business operators i.e. from street vendor/hawker to a five star hotel as it ensures the quality, purity, safety of the food/product for consumption and other important factors that the consumer trusts upon.
Individuals and Businesses can register offline or Online with the FSSAI. Although the FSSAI food System compliance system(FOSCOS), is a much simpler and hassle free method of registration, it provides for the license to be obtained online.
Food Business Operator(FBO):-
Any business which is involved in manufacturing, importing, processing, packaging, storing, selling or distributing any kind of food in India. A food business in India offers the following services to the general public:
- Restaurants
- Catering Services
- Bakery
- Sweet shop
- Cafeteria
- 5-Star Hotel
- Warehouse
- Homemade Food Business like homemade chocolates, pickles, jams, etc.
- Food Truck
Why FSSAI licence is required ?
It is the authority which enables in regulating and supervising the safety of food. It is mandatory for the business operators dealing in food, to have any type of licence be it FSSAI or Food Licence.
As, it ensures that people involved in the food business including those involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, sale, export and import of food products which follow particular set standards and guidelines which are scientifically based vetting that the food is hygienic and it has met the quality standards and is safe to be consumed by the humans. All Food Business Operators including pharmacies and medical stores which sell Health supplements or Nutraceutical products are required to have FSSAI licence or FSSAI registration.
The FSSAI has two kinds of approval procedures one is a licence while the other is a registration. A registration is usually for those who are involved in petty food businesses and licence is for other who are in food business. Also, the FSSAI licence has two types the state FSSAI license and the Central FSSAI Licence.
Types of FSSAI Registrations:-
The business kind, revenue, and production capacity all affect the FSSAI registration procedure.
- FSSAI Basic Registration –FBOs which have less than Rs. 12 lakh annually must register with the FSSAI.
- FSSAI State License –A state license from FSSAI for FBOs with annual revenues greater than Rs. 12 lakh but less than Rs. 20 crore.
- FSSAI Central License –FBOs with annual sales of more than Rs. 20 crores.
Why Food Licence is Vital:-
Controlling Food Adulteration:-
The major function of FSSAI Licence in India is to enhance food processing facility. In order for the enterprises which lawfully make food to have proper records. The FSSAI inspects the chemicals to check whether it is suitable for human consumption or not. A food licence is much important to protect the food quality because food adulteration harms people’s health.
Maintain Food Quality:-
Competition in the food market is heavy in today’s time. A food business owner’s mai goal is to generate maximum profit. If this regulation is not there they won’t be paying much attention. A FSSAI license assures to clients that the food they are consuming is of highest quality and consumers trust on it. That’s why FSSAI carries out the food inspections in addition to quality assurance.
Consumer Health Safety:-
Unsafe and Unsanitary food related items occasionally surface like this. Adulteration of food has become an hazard these days. Therefore, an FSSAI licence is much important for food enterprises in India if they want to ensure the safety and welfare of customers. It keeps a keen eye on the food businesses and maintains food safety issues.
Creating Food Safety Awareness:-
The FSSAI is the authority which raises awareness of food safety and other pertinent problems in India. The FSSAI licence is another sign of legitimacy for a company.
Fulfill Legal Compliance:-
Every proprietor in an Indian Food Business is required to have an FSSAI licence according to the Food Safety and Standards Act,2006. This penalty is that much heavy that it can collapse one’s business. So, in order to legal compliance of requirement, FSSAI license is important for the food enterprises in India.
Safeguarding Food Owners:-
FSSAI licence is required by food enterprises to protect themselves from quality compromise claims. This Licence gives verifiable proof that the food which is sold is wholesome and kosher for consuming.
Shop and Establishment Registration Act:-
Under the Shops and Establishment Act, all food business operators must register their businesses with the local government to acquire a Trade licence. The registration for trade licence is required for permitting trade and ensuring ethical business practices which require adherence to rules and compliance with food safety measures and regulatory guidelines.
The concerned municipality/department will do an inspection of the premises. They will issue a certificate that must be displayed in a conspicuous part of the establishment.
Health Trade License:
Companies can trade in goods and services that have direct bearing on public health by using a health trade licence. A food establishment is verified to be in accordance with the hygiene and Safety regulations if it holds this licence from the municipal corporation. The Municipal Corporation or the State’s Department of Health, depending on where the business conducts its trade activities, issues a health trade license.
Liquor Licence:
If the business wishes to serve alcohol within its food premises, then it needs to apply for a liquor license by filling out the relevant forms. The local Excise Commissioner grants this license to any food business that wants to serve any drinks containing liquor.
NOC from the Chief Fire Officer:
To obtain a NOC- No Objection Certificate, the business has to submit its building plans, model of the building and certificate of an Architect, and fill out a questionnaire with the Chief Fire Officer.
Eating House Licence:
Any business that admits the general public and serves food ingredients or drinks for consumption requires an Eating House Licence.
Environmental Clearance:
The state or city pollution board grants this license after evaluating the business’s impact on the environment.
Signage License:
A signage license allows a food business to advertise it by putting up any words, signs or pictures. The food businesses is required to file an application and Obtain a signage from the authority and put that on public display in premises.
License for playing music or videos:
To ensure that the business doesn’t breach the Copyright inherited in pre-recorded music or songs, the business requires a license to play music or videos. A food business opening a restaurant or cafe needs this permit to play music or videos.
FSSAI Registration Eligibility:-
- Food Business Operations with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakh
- Applicants dealing with List of food product only
- dealing in food business.
- Food operators manufacturing and selling food products by his/her own.
Documents Needed to Register with FSSAI
- Duly filled and signed application form
- Passport-sized photographs
- Identity proof of Applicant (Food Business Operator)
- Voter ID
- Proof of property ownership
- Address Proof
- Business Address Proof
- Rental Agreement
- Food safety management system plan
- List of food items
- Certificate of incorporation
What Are The Advantages Of Obtaining FSSAI License?
The food business can get several legal benefits: Creates consumer awareness You can use FSSAI logo, which can build a goodwill among the customers. Set down science-based principles. To facilitate food safety The research and development sector is responsible to maintain the safety. There is a huge chance of business expansion.
FSSAI License Eligibility
All other FBOs, excluding small businesses, must acquire the FSSAI license .Depending on the size of the company, whether it is a huge or medium-sized one.
Generally, FBOs who are large manufacturers, importers, export of food products dealing in large-scale food businesses need to obtain FSSAI registration from the central government and FBO with small to medium-sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, traders, etc., need to take FSSAI registration from the state government.
Other requirements include manufacturing facilities with a daily capacity of 2MT and dairy operations Milk products capable of processing up to 5000 liters of milk per day. Catering businesses regardless of their revenue are require to have it. The license’s term is a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years.
To apply for a Central License, the FBO must have a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores and needs to have operations in two or more states. All importers and exporters need to apply for this license. The maximum tenure is 5 years and the minimum is 1 year.
What Happens When You Do Not Apply for an FSSAI License?
Suppose you do not apply for an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license. In that case, you may face the Heavy penalties
- Legal Action: If you operate a food business without a FSSAI licence, it is illegal and you may face fine or imprisonment.
- Loss of Credibility: Customers may not trust your business as you do not have the necessary food safety certification
- Health Risks: Without an FSSAI license, your food may not meet the necessary standards and pose health risks to your customers
- Loss of Business: Customers may choose to go to a competitor with an FSSAI license, leading to a loss of business for you.
Therefore, applying for an FSSAI licence is important to ensure that your food business operates legally and provides safe and high-quality food to your customers.
Conclusion
An FSSAI license is a mandatory requirement for all food businesses in India, regardless of size or turnover. Obtaining a food license is a mandatory business requirement for any food business in India. Applying for an FSSAI license for food enterprises in India makes sure that a product is safe to consume
Its rules and duties have contributed to an improvement in the populace’s general health and wellbeing. As food enterprises, it is our duty to adhere to FSSAI standards and make sure that our clients receive safe, high-quality food items.
