FSSAI/Food License

What Is FSSAI/Food License?

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an independent body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, responsible for overseeing the food industry in India.

FSSAI registration is a must for anyone involved in the food business in India, such as those opening a restaurant, bakery, hotel, cloud kitchen, or food stall. Every Food Business Operator (FBO), including those involved in making, selling, transporting, distributing, or storing food, needs to have FSSAI registration to legally operate.

Who Require FSSAI Registration?

The following Food Business Operators (FBOs) must obtain FSSAI registration or a license:

• •   Canteens and cafeterias, including mid-day meal programs.
• •   Caterers, Dhabas, PGs, and banquet halls with food services.
• •   Cold storage and refrigerated storage units.
• •   Dairy units and vegetable oil processing units.
• •   E-commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens.
• •   Food manufacturing, repacking, and proprietary food units.
• •   Hotels, restaurants, and bars.
• •   Importers and exporters of food items and ingredients.
• •   Meat and fish processing units
• •   Mobile food hawkers (e.g., cart vendors).
• •   Retail shops and small food stalls (e.g., snack shops, bakeries).
• •   Slaughterhouses and meat shops.
• •   Temporary and permanent food vendors(e.g., chat stalls, tea stalls, juice shops).
• •   Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products.
• •   Food transporters using specialized vehicles like refrigerated vans and food trucks.

Types of FSSAI Registration :

• 1.   FSSAI Basic Registration
  • Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh must obtain the FSSAI Basic Registration.
• 2.   FSSAI State License
  • FBOs with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore are required to obtain the FSSAI State License.
• 3.   FSSAI Central License
  • FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore must acquire the FSSAI Central License.

Key Benefits of FSSAI License

• •   Legal compliance and protection
• •   Builds goodwill and consumer trust
• •   Ensures food safety and hygiene
• •   Raises consumer awareness
• •   Supports business growth
• •   Regulates imported food processes
• •   Helps secure investor funding
• •   Guarantees product quality
• •   Shows compliance with hygiene and quality standards

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration or License

• •   Identity proof of the applicant (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
• •   Photograph of the Applicant
• •   Proof of Business Address (Electricity Bill/Rent Agreement etc)
• •   Medical fitness certificates for all workers
• •   Details of technical personnel responsible for operations

Documents Required for Renewal of Registration/License

• •   Any updates or changes to documents or information from the previous registration

Penalties for Violation of FSSAI Guidelines

• •   Operating without FSSAI License: FBOs or business owners who manufacture, sell, distribute, or import food products without FSSAI registration may face imprisonment up to 6 months or a fine up to ₹5 lakh.
• •   Misbranding of Food Products: Individuals or companies involved in the storage, sale, distribution, or import of misbranded food can be fined up to ₹3 lakh.
• •   Selling Sub-standard Food: Selling sub-standard food or non-compliance with FSSAI regulations is punishable by a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.