Fssai- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India—Statutory body
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Its main objective is to ensure safe, wholesome, and hygienic food for consumers across India.
Key Functions of FSSAI
• Regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale & import of food
• Frames food safety standards and regulations
• Issues FSSAI Registration / License
• Conducts inspections & food testing
• Takes action against adulteration & unsafe food
• Promotes food safety awareness
Who Needs FSSAI Registration / License?
Any Food Business Operator (FBO), including:
• Restaurants, hotels, cafes
• Food manufacturers & processors
• Traders, wholesalers, retailers
• Cloud kitchens & home bakers
• E-commerce food sellers
• Importers/exporters of food
• Transporters & storage uni
Types of FSSAI Registration / License
Type Applicable For
Basic Registration Small businesses (Turnover ≤ ₹12 lakh)
State License Medium businesses (₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore)
Central License Large businesses, import/export, multi-state operation
FSSAI Number
• 14-digit registration/licence number
• Mandatory to display on:
o Food packages
o Menu cards
o Bills & invoices
o Online food listings
Penalties for Non-Compliance
• Operating without license: Penalty up to ₹5 lakh
• Sale of unsafe food: Penalty up to ₹10 lakh + imprisonment
• Misbranding or false claims: Penalty up to ₹3 lakh
Importance of FSSAI
∙ Legal compliance
∙ Consumer trust
∙ Quality assurance
∙ Business credibility
FSSAI REGISTRATION PROCESS (STEP-WISE):
Step 1: Determine the Type of Registration / License
Based on annual turnover & nature of food business:
Type Turnover Limit
Basic Registration Up to ₹12 lakh
State License ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore
Central License Above ₹20 crore / Import-Export / Multi-state
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
For Basic Registration
• Passport size photograph
• Photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID)
• Address proof of business premises
• Nature of food business declaration
For State / Central License
• Form B (online)
• PAN of business / proprietor
• Address proof of premises
• Layout plan of food unit
• List of food products
• Water testing report
• Partnership deed / MOA-AOA (if applicable)
• Authority letter & ID proof of authorised signatory
Step 3: Online Application
• Visit FoSCoS Portal (Food Safety Compliance System)
• Create login
• Select New Registration / License
• Fill application details
• Upload documents
• Choose validity period (1–5 years)
Step 4: Payment of Fees
• Basic Registration: ₹100 per year
• State License: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year
• Central License: ₹7,500 per year
(Fees vary based on business category)
Step 5: Application Scrutiny
• Application reviewed by Designated Officer
• May ask for clarification or additional documents
Step 6: Inspection (If Required)
• Mandatory mainly for State & Central License
• Food safety officer inspects premises
Step 7: Grant of FSSAI Certificate
• 14-digit FSSAI Registration / License Number issued
• Certificate downloadable from FoSCoS portal
• Validity: 1 to 5 years
Time Required
• Basic Registration: 7–10 days
• State License: 15–30 days
• Central License: 30–45 days
Important Compliance Points
∙ Display FSSAI number at business premises
∙ Print FSSAI logo & number on food packages
∙ Renew before expiry (apply 30 days prior)
∙ Maintain hygiene & safety standards
FSSAI logo:
The FSSAI logo signifies that a food product or business meets India’s food safety and quality standards, acting as a mark of trust and compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006; its presence on packaging, menus, or premises assures consumers that the food has been tested and adheres to hygiene regulations, building confidence in the brand’s commitment to safety.
Key meanings and purpose:
• Quality Assurance:
It’s a pledge of quality and safety from the food business (Food Business Operator – FBO).
• Compliance:
Shows the business follows FSSAI regulations for manufacturing, storage, and distribution.
• Consumer Trust:
Builds confidence that the product is safe for consumption, as it’s checked against safety standards.
• Mandatory Display:
FBOs must display the logo and their unique license number prominently on products, websites, and establishments (like restaurants and food trucks).
• Identification:
Helps consumers and authorities quickly identify legitimate, compliant food businesses and products.
Where to find it:
• Food packaging (front/back)
• E-commerce listings
• Restaurant entrances & billing counters
• Websites, pamphlets, and electronic media
In essence:
The logo is a government-backed symbol of trust, indicating adherence to strict rules, ensuring consumers get safe food, and promoting a culture of food safety across the entire supply chain in India.
FSSAI RENEWAL PROCESS:
When to Apply
• At least 30 days before expiry
• Late fee if delayed: ₹100 per day
• After expiry → Fresh application required
Documents for Renewal
• Existing FSSAI certificate
• Updated list of food products
• Updated address proof (if changed)
• Water testing report (for licence cases)
• Declaration of compliance
FSSAI MODIFICATION PROCESS:
When Modification is Required
• Change in:
o Business name
o Address / premises
o Food category / product list
o Partners / directors
o Turnover slab
o Contact details
Documents for Modification
• Existing FSSAI certificate
• Proof of change (rent agreement, MOA, partnership deed, etc.)
• Updated product list
• Authority letter (if applicable)
Fees Overview:
Particulars Fees
Renewal Same as original licence
Late fee ₹100 per day
Modification (minor) Usually Nil
Modification (major) Applicable fee
Important Compliance Notes:
∙ Renewal maintains same FSSAI number
∙ Modification may change scope, not number
∙ Operating with expired licence is illegal
∙ Display updated certificate immediately
FAQ
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the apex statutory body responsible for regulating and supervising food safety in India.
Under which Act was FSSAI established?
FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Which Ministry governs FSSAI?
FSSAI works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
What is meant by Food Business Operator (FBO)?
An FBO is any person or entity carrying on food-related business, whether for profit or not, including proprietors, companies, societies, trusts, etc.
What is FSSAI Basic Registration?
It is meant for small food businesses having annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh.
What is the validity period of FSSAI registration/licence?
Validity ranges from 1 year to 5 years, as chosen by the applicant.
What is the structure of the FSSAI licence number?
It is a 14-digit unique number, where:
• First digit indicates registration/licence
• Other digits denote state, year of issue and business ID
Is displaying FSSAI number mandatory?
Yes. The FSSAI number must be displayed on:
• Food packages
• Shop premises
• Bills, invoices and e-commerce listings
What is FoSCoS?
FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is the online portal for applying, renewing and modifying FSSAI registration and licences.
What is the penalty for operating without FSSAI licence?
Penalty may extend up to ₹5 lakh, and in serious cases, imprisonment may also be imposed.
What is renewal of FSSAI licence?
Renewal means extending the validity of an existing FSSAI registration/licence before expiry
When should FSSAI renewal be applied?
At least 30 days before the expiry date of the licence.
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