What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which is an organization that monitors and governs the food business in India. It ensures the food products undergo quality checks thereby curtailing the food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products.
It is responsible for the registering and licensing of the food business operators (FBO) in India and it lays down the rules and regulation for running the food business in India.
FSSAI registration is a mandatory compliance used to ensure the safety of food products and it is essentially a food safety certificate issued by the food authority in India. This governing body, also known as Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) marks businesses compliant with the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI license is mandatory before starting any food business. All the manufacturers, traders, restaurants who are involved in food business must obtain a 14-digit registration or a license number which must be printed on food packages.
FSSAI Registration Requirements
FSSAI Registration is a basic license and it is required for all the FBO involved in the small-scale food business. This category covers the following business
- Any FBO with an annual turnover of not more than Rs. 12 Lakhs
- Petty retailer dealing in food products
- Any person who manufactures or sells any food article by himself
- Food sale is done by the temporary stall holder
- Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer
- Small-scale or cottage industries dealing in the food business.
FSSAI Registration/ License Procedure
FSSAI registration or license is based on the business volume and premises. Depending upon the installed capacity or turnover or location, applicant premises are eligible for the license such as central license, state license, registration, railway etc
Businesses engaged in food activities are required to apply for food licence of different types based on turnover, scale of business and the type of activity. Such businesses must apply for either of the licenses (central or state) or simple registration. The criteria specified in rules are as follows