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Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI), an independent body recognized under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI was formed by Former Union Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss on 5 August 2011 under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which became operational in 2006.

The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, which was enacted to promote food cleanliness and quality, has resulted in significant changes in the food business. Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai are among the authority's six regional offices. According to the Act, no person may start or operate a food business without obtaining an FSSAI license or registration. As a result, any firm that manufactures, processes, packages, or distributes food must now obtain an FSSAI License or Registration.

TYPES OF FSSAI REGISTRATION/LICENSE

FSSAI in India issues the following three types of license :

  • FSSAI Basic Registration License - The State Government issues a basic Registration license to food industry operators such as petty food makers and small-scale manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakh. This license has a maximum of 5 years and a minimum of 1 year. It will only take 7 days to complete this registration.
  • FSSAI State License - The State Government issues this license to SMEs such as transportation, storage houses, transporters, distributors, marketers, and so on. The company must operate in only one state and have a minimum yearly sale of Rs. 12 lakh. The license is valid for a maximum of five years and a minimum of one year. The procedure for obtaining a state license from the FSSAI takes 15 days.
  • FSSAI Central License - The Central Government issues the license. If food producer/importer has operations in more than one state, food business operators must obtain a Central License for their main office. This license is only for FBOs with a turnover of Rs. 20 crore per year. It is valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years. It takes only 25 days to process.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION

The requirement of documents varies according to the type of FSSAI License. However, some major documents required are as follows :

  • Copy of address proof
  • Manufacturing process with flow chart
  • Manufacturing layout
  • Brand certification
  • Testing facility
  • Equipment list
  • Proof of possession of premises
  • NOC from the municipality and local body
  • NOC/PA issued by FSSAI
  • Contact Details of Directors
  • FSSAI Declaration form
  • Source of Milk, if applicable
  • Proof of possession of premises

Process For FSSAI REGISTRATION

  • Step-1 Online submission of application : Once required documents are collected, the next step is to generate the online portal on the FSSAI website and submit the application for registration to the food and safety department online.
  • Step-2 Submission of (hardcopy) application : Also, submit the hard copy of the application with documents to Food and Safety department..
  • Step-3 Scrutiny : FSSAI officials will verify the application, and within 7 days of the application date, the department may accept or reject the application.
  • Step-4 Inspection from FSSAI : After scrutiny of documents, FSSAI Officials will conduct the audit in the applicant's premises. (Optional)
  • Step-5 Grant of FSSAI Certificate : If the application is approved, the department will provide a registration certificate that includes the applicant's registration number and photo.

Timeline for FSSAI License : Timeline depends upon the type of license, which is as follows :

  • Basic license - 7 days
  • State License - 15 - 30 days
  • Central license - 30-60 days

Renewal of FSSAI License : The validity of the license is 1-5 years depends on the application fee paid. A license must be renewed before 30 days of the expiry of the license.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is FSSAI?

FSSAI, an acronym for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India that monitors and governs registered food business in India.

2. Why application gets rejected?

Officer rejects the application if the required information is not provided within the stipulated time of 30 days.

3. What is the validity of Food License?

The Validity of the FSSAI License is from 1 year to 5 years. Hereafter, the particular FBO needs to apply for FSSAI License renewal.

4. Do I have to get a different food license for a different state?

Yes, you need to take a Central FSSAI license for the main branch or head office and the State FSSAI licenses for any specific state.

5. What is the benefit of procuring an FSSAI License?

FSSAI Logo will build consumer trust towards your food brand/products.