What is FSSAI Food License and why is it Mandatory?

The government of India has always been concerned about food standards and safety. So to keep a check on the safety and security of the public health, the government has initiated the registration of food for all kinds of food-related business operators.

FSSAI Registration

Food registration is a very important agreement that ensures food product safety. In simple terms it is a certificate for food safety that has been issued by the Government of India. The food security is taken care of by the government body called the FSSAI – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

To obtain an FSSAI food license, one must make sure their food products or food business is of high quality and follows all the measures of public health safety. One must obtain an FSSAI food license before starting a food business product in India. All the manufacturers, traders, restaurant owners must pose the 14 digit license number which would be showcased on their food products.

For whom it is Mandatory?

The following are a few of the entities or individuals to obtain the FSSAI food license. They are

• Food manufacturers of all types
• Food storage sections
• Food packaging unit
• Food business wholesale operators
• Food traders
• Food business online operators
• Hotel or caters
• Suppliers of raw food materials
• Importers and exporters of raw food
• Distributors and transporters of food products
• Retailers of food products

There are three types of FSSAI food registration based on food business income. They are the

1. Food processing unit
2. Slaughtering units and
3. Meat processing units

Apart from the food registration turnover, there are also three types of registration categories.

1. Basic FSSAI Registration - The basic FSSAI food registration is important for the operators of small food businesses. It is also known as the Basic FSSAI License. This registration is for those businesses whose income does not surpass more than Rs. 12 lakh per annum. Those who fall under this category include the itinerant vendors, petty retailers, temporary stall holders or hawkers.
2. State FSSAI License – It is compulsory for those businesses whose annual turnover is between Rs 12 lakh to Rs. 20 Crore annually. It is the same for the FSSAI State Trading License or FSSAI State Manufacturing License.
3. Central FSSAI License – Those businesses whose annual turnover exceeds more than 20 crores in the case of manufacturing, trading or storage which goes beyond a certain limit that has been described by the laws.

There are many reasons and intentions that state the need for the Food License. They are

• Consumer safety
• It acts as a great marketing tool that would ultimately boost your food business
• To ensure the food quality is of superior standard
• It will give you an added advantage to increase your customer base
• It will be very beneficial when you plan to expand your business. There would not be many procedures as the certificate would only be sufficient.
• The food license would make it very easy and convenient to get bank loans and funding.
• It can be boosted in the menu cards and pamphlets. It acts as a great advertiser.
• It is a single point of access to all the departments and law controls.
• The consumers will be highly satisfied and will trust in your business and food as the license serves as proof of quality and standard.

FSSAI Penalty

The FSSAI license was set up to maintain certain safety, security and standards in the food business. Few rules were also established by the Indian Government. It was to improve their stockpiling, dealing, dispersion, make, import and to guarantee healthy and protected nourishment for humans. Those who do not adhere to the rules will be dealt with strict punishments.

• Sub-standard food penalty – extends up to 5 lakh rupees.
• Misbranded food penalty – three lakh rupees.
• Misleading advertisement penalty – extends up to 10 lakh rupees.
• Food that contains extraneous matter – extends to one lakh rupees.
• Penalty for not following the FSSAI rules – up to two lakh.
• Unhygienic food or unsanitary manufacturing or processing of food – extend up to one lakh rupees.

Hence it is very important for the business industry to get the FSSAI Food license.

I m harry and love to write about new things.