General facts about FSSAI license and registration

General facts about FSSAI license and registration In this article, you will come to know about the general facts regarding the FSSAI license and registration in food safety measures.

FSSAI stands for Food standards and safety authority of India. It is the prime authority which is responsible for regulating and maintaining the food safety. FSSAI is compulsory for all the Food Business Operators (FBO’s) in order to get FSSAI License. Consequently, FSSAI was established under the act of food safety and security act, 2006. It is a general organization made for protecting the health of the people. The common confusion among the FBO’s is the license which the businessman is required to obtain.

FSSAI registration can be done in 1-2 days and the license can be obtained in 10-12 working days.

FSSAI lays down science-based standards for the articles of food and it regulates their manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale and import in order to deliver safe and also wholesome food to 130 citizens of the country.The chairperson of the FSSAI is appointed by the central government amongst the persons who are in the field of home science. It is compulsory for all the manufactures, traders and restaurants to get this certificate.

General benefits of FSSAI: Food licence issued by the FSSAI is regarded as a permit which is required to operate a food related business and also in order to ensure good quality food in your business and for the benefits of one from the government actions. But, some of the entrepreneurs supervise the importance of FSSAI license as how this license can be used as an effective marketing tool to boost their business. The FSSAI license can be used in the following ways: 1. Customer Awareness: The customers becomes more alert and informative about the quality of food they eat. Moreover, with the number of diets and increasing of the healthy eating food options, people are necessary to know as to what they are consuming is not just safe but is of really good quality. More so after the recent controversy with Maggi, are proving the consumers have started to take the food safety standard seriously.

2. Legal Advantage: Most of the business people thinks getting an FSSAI license as an expensive, time consuming and also an inconvenient process of documentation, so avoid getting the license. But, in reality, the process is not so cumbersome and there are a lot of consultancies that can help you get the license with ease 3. Using the FSSAI Logo: Once you have the license, you can skilfully use the FSSAI logo in your menu cards and also in the pamphlets in order to publicise your food's superior quality over others.

However, this gives you an edge over the many food operators who are not having the license. All the packaged foods are required to have an FSSAI number. The logo is thus placed as a mark of validity and also for assurance by the consumers. It helps in developing a brand name.

4. Business Expansion: With the help of FSSAI registration you can easily expand your businesses. The license will easily help you to establish your reputation and also your value to grow your business in a good direction with ease. Moreover, the license can be used to get bank loans easily and also for funding which is required for the expansion.

Why is FSSAI Registration Important?

Every business operator who is involved in the food business–manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale should compulsorily have an FSSAI registration. 14-digit FSSAI license number is printed on all the food packages.

The main purpose of the FSSAI registration is to create more responsibility on the part of the Food Business Operator (FBO) in terms of the quality of the food. The FSSAI certificate of the FBO ensures the quality and safety of the food products. It is important for every manufacturer to print the FSSAI license number of the product.

General type of Food licenses: FSSAI, issues three different types of license namely:   

Central license State license Basic registration

The detailed information about the three food licenses.

FSSAI Registration State License: Food business operators such as small to medium sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors etc. are required to obtain the FSSAI State License.

The State Government issues the state license. It is important for all the food operators who operate food in only 1 state. It is mostly for the units having an annual turnover more than 12 lakh.

FSSAI Registration: The Food business operators like minor food manufacturers and also small-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors etc. are required to obtain the FSSAI Registration. The FSSAI Registration is issued by the State Government. Depending upon the eligibility, an FBO will fall under the State or Registration license. It is mostly for the units having an annual turnover which is up to 12 lakh.

FSSAI Registration Central License: Food business operators such as the Importers, 100% Export Oriented Units, large manufacturers, operators in the Central Government agencies, airports, and seaports etc. are required to obtain a Central Food License. The Central Government issues the central license.

Furthermore, FBOs have to obtain the Central License for their head office, and if they operate food in more than 1 state. It is mostly for the units who are having an annual turnover which is greater than 20 crores.

Difference between FSSAI Registration & FSSAI License: In general, as per the Food Safety and Standards Regulation, 2011, all food operator must obtain FSSAI registration, if they are involved in the sale, distribution, transportation, storage, and manufacturing of the food products. The basic difference between the FSSAI license and the FSSAI registration is based on the size and nature of the FBO. FSSAI Registration: FSSAI registration is required for Food Business Operators who:

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Manufacture or sell any food article himself or a retailer, itinerant vendor, hawker, etc.

Distributes food in religious and social gatherings, except a caterer Other businesses related to food whose annual turnover does not exceed INR 12 lakhs and 1. Their food production capacity should not exceed 100kg or litre/day (other than products like meat and meat products and milk and milk products) 2. collection of milk it up to 500-liter milk/day 3. Their slaughtering capacity is 50 poultry birds or 10 small animals or 2 large animals/day

All the FBO’s are required to obtain the FSSAI registration. They can obtain the license by submitting an FSSAI registration form in Form A. After the submission of the application form, the FSSAI registration will be processed by the authority within 7 days. The information in the FSSAI registration includes the details of the registration and a photograph of the applicant. It is mandatory to display the certificate at the food business place, at all the times.

FSSAI License: All the entity who does not classify as business operators are required to obtain the FSSAI license in India. The FSSAI license is of two types, State FSSAI License and Central FSSAI License. The licensing authority changes based on the size and nature of the business. The large food manufacturers, transporters, processors, or importers are required to obtain the Central FSSAI license whereas the medium-sized food manufacturers require State FSSAI License.

The fee and procedure for FSSAI License are extensive in comparison to FSSAI registration. An FSSAI license can be obtained by filling the particulars in Form B along with the self-attested affidavit, declaration, and annexures. Usually, an FSSAI License is granted for 1-5 years as requested by the FBO. Noteworthy, the higher the number of years, the higher the applicable fees will be to obtain the FSSAI license. The registration can be renewed not later than 30 days prior to the expiry date of the license.

General principles of food safety: Section 18 of the FSSAI provides for the general principles which are to be followed by the various authorities while implementing the provisions of the Act such as endeavour to achieve an appropriate level of protection of human life and health and the protection of consumers’ interests, carrying out risk management, etc.

Further, there are general provisions related to food products are mentioned in the Chapter IV of the Act. These provisions includes the regulation of additives use or processing aid in the food or the presence of contaminants, insecticides, veterinary drugs residues or pesticides residues, etc. in the food products. There are certain general provisions dealing with the packaging and labelling of foods.

The consequences of not obtaining the FSSAI License or Registration: All the persons registered under the FSSAI have to follow to the FSSAI rules and regulations. The Food Safety Officer conducts inspection of the facility provided by the food business operator and also identifies the level of compliance, if any, using his checklist. The officer marks the FBO based on the compliance level such as:    

Compliance (C) Non-compliance (NC) Partial Compliance (PC) Non-applicable/ not observed (NA)

In case the food safety officer issues an improvement notice to the FBO and he fails to comply with it, then the officer will cancel his registration. The decision of the officer thereon can be challenged through appealing in the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or High Court.

Documents required for FSSAI Registration: The following documents required for the FSSAI registration are:      

Form A – Duly filed and signed Photo identity of the food business operator Possession of premises proof, such as a rental agreement Partnership Deep/ Articles of Association/ Certificate of Incorporation, etc.

List of the food items to be dealt with Food safety management plan

Documents required for Central License: The documents for central FSSAI license are:               

FORM B (i.e.) Duly filled and signed List of the partners, proprietors or directors details such as address proof, contact details, & photo ID Partnership deed or the affidavit of proprietorship List of the food items to be dealt with List of the equipment and machinery used with their number and installation capacity Source of raw materials Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU Form IX Certificate from Ministry of Tourism Proof of possession of premises Authority letter from the manufacturer nominated as a responsible person name and his address NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer Supporting document for the proof of annual turnover Declaration form

Documents required for State License: The documents for state FSSAI license are:        

FORM B (i.e.) Duly filled and signed Detailed plan of the processing unit List of the partners, proprietors or directors details with their address proof, contact details, and photo ID List of the equipment’s and machinery used with their number and their installation capacity List of the food items dealing Authority letter from the manufacturer who is nominated as a responsible person and also his name and complete address NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer Premises possession proof

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Affidavit of proprietorship or Partnership deed.

Food safety management plan Copies of certificates obtained under Coop Act 1861 or Multi state Coop Act 2002.

General procedure to obtain FSSAI Registration or license: The procedure to obtain FSSAI registration or license is:    

The first step for FSSAI registration is submitting FORM A or B to the food and safety department.

The application will be processed by the department within 7 days. The fact will be intimated to the applicant in hand-written.

In case, the FSSAI application is accepted, then the Food and Safety Department will grant registration certificate along with the registration number and the photo of the applicant.

The food business operator must display the registration certificate in the office premises or print the FSSAI registration license number on the food product.

Conclusion: Food security and safety are a major concerns in each and every place. Food, being an absolute necessity, it should be safe and fit for consumption. FSSAI has made it compulsory for all food-related business to register, or get a license, as it hopes to prevent these casualties.

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