FSSAI means the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a central authority that is responsible for ensuring that the food products sold in India are safe for consumption and of good quality.
It basically checks whether food and beverages being sold in the market are safe and hygienic to consume or not. A license or registration is to be issued by FSSAI for any kind of foodstuff manufacturer, distributor, packager, or seller. Whenever you would have bought a packet of biscuits or chips from the market, you would have noticed that FSSAI registration is mentioned on the package of those foodstuffs.

Why is an FSSAI certificate required?

Food business operators (FBO) operating any food-related business in India without an FSSAI license are considered illegal and may face penalties and fines. An FSSAI license not only gives legal validity but also offers a lot of other benefits, such as:

• Credibility: Food is perceived by consumers as safe and of proper quality.
• Strengthens brand image: An FSSAI license enhances the professional image of your brand.
• It helps in expanding the market: If you want to sell your products in large retail stores, online platforms, or even abroad, then the FSSAI certificate is a must for you.
• Legal protection: This makes your business legal under the Food Safety Act.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

FSSAI issues three types of licenses depending on the size and annual turnover of the business:

Basic License

• For those whose annual turnover is up to ₹12 lakh.
• This will exempt small food vendors, dhabas, home-based food businesses, etc.

State License

• This license is for those businesses whose turnover is between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore.
• A state license is suitable for businesses that are into medium-scale manufacturing or distributorship.

Central License

• Applicable for companies whose turnover is above ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states.
• Large food manufacturers, importers, or exporters require this.

For whom, or which businesses, is an FSSAI license required?

The following businesses shall obtain FSSAI registration or license:

• Restaurants and canteens
• Pastry and sweet shops
• Dairy product manufacturers
• Packaged food and snack brands.
• Food truck & catering service
• Online food delivery apps, such as Zomato and Swiggy
• Food Businesses that Import/Export

Documents for FSSAI License

The documents may slightly differ based on the license type, but in general, one should provide the following documents:

• Business PAN card and Aadhaar card
• Proof of address for your business utility bill or your lease
• Passport-size photo
• Type and category of food business
• FSMS: Food Safety Management Plan
• Food products list and process details

How to get an FSSAI license?

The online procedure for this is pretty easy. You can apply by visiting the official website of FSSAI.

Application Process:

• Registration on the FSSAI web portal
• Fill out the FSSAI registration form.
• Enter some basic information first, like business name, the applicant's name, e-mail ID, etc.
• Choose registration tenure.
• All the information related to your business, like the address of your business, the date of incorporation, etc.
• Choose your business information and category.
• Upload the required documents.
• Pay the prescribed fee online.
• The application will then be scrutinized by an official after submission.
• Thereafter, an FSSAI License number along with a Certificate will be issued after verification.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License

The period of validity of the food license is from 1 to 5 years, which is granted to the food business operator (FBO).

A renewal application should be filed at least 30 days before the expiry date of the validity period to continue the license granted under FSSAI.

Failure to renew on time may cost you a fine and also the revocation of your license.

Food business operators can use the same FSSAI website to renew it.

Consequences of Not Having an FSSAI License

A food business without a license from FSSAI may be taken to court for manufacturing or selling any food products.

It carries a maximum penalty of ₹5 lakh.

For more serious offenses, prison sentences can even be imposed.

Therefore, it is always better to get the proper FSSAI license for your business as soon as possible.