Food is the basic necessity of life and keeping a check on its quality is the responsibility of the provider. Just like any other product, food requires a stamp from an approved organization. In India, that is FSSAI (Food Security and Quality Control) ensures this task. Let us have a look at all the aspects of FSSAI registration through this insightful ride.
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What is FSSAI?
FSSAI is an independent organization operating under the Ministry of the Government of India, the Department of Health and Family Welfare. It is responsible for licensing and regulating food safety and hygiene practices among food business professionals across the country. In addition, it offers FSSAI registration to merchants, e-commerce, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
What is FSSAI registration?
In terms of Section 31 (1) & 31 (2) of the FSS Act, 2006 all Food Business Operators in the country are required to be registered with the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India. The license requirements and registration process are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business), 2011. Registration is for small food producers including small retailers, mobile retailers or temporary stallholder, or small or cottage scale industries with an annual profit of up to 12 lacs. All food businesses that have more than this limit are required to obtain a license.
With FSSAI registration, a 14-digit number is allotted to a business. It is to be attached along with the FSSAI logo on the products of that company. In addition, these steps are necessary for all operators involved in the food business to ensure that the highest quality product is being delivered to the consumers.
Types of License
Central License
Employees of the food business (retailers, e-commerce, grocery store, restaurants, etc.) under Schedule 1 of the FSS Regulations, 2011 and which operates in more than one country are required to register under Central FSSAI. FBOs (Food Business Operators) with an annual turnover of 20 crore rupees and above must also go for a Central FSSAI license. In addition, the license is valid for 1-5 years.
State License
Required for all small to medium-sized enterprises to obtain FSSAI state approval. This permit is issued by the states government to operators operating in the same district. In addition, all companies with a profit of more than 12 lakh rupees and less than 20 lakh rupees must have this license. The validity of this license is 1-5 years.
Basic Registration
A business with an annual turnover of up to 12 lakh is likely to go for basic registration. This license is for a period of five years and a minimum of 1 year.
Procedure for FSSAI license
Requisites of FSSAI registration
The FBOs which are major producers, exporters, importers engaged in the large-scale food industry are required to obtain FSSAI registration from the central government, and FBO for small and medium-sized production units, transporters, retailers, retailers, etc. is required for FSSAI registration from the state government. FBO must have a turnover of between Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 crore to obtain a State license.
The units of production must have a capacity of 2MT per day. For instance commercial milk units of up to 5000 liters per day, 3-star hotels and more, re-packaging units, canteens, re-sale units, clubs, and all catering businesses regardless of the profits they make application for a license. The term of the license may not exceed 5 years and a minimum of one year.
An FBO must have a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores for a central license and need to work in two or more states or regions. All importers and exporters are required to apply for this license. The tenure is a maximum of 5 years and a minimum of one year.
What happens if an FBO does not comply with the rules?
Any person registered under the FSSAI must comply with the rules and regulations under the FSS Act, 2006. The food safety officer conducts inspections of the food business provider’s facility and maintains a checklist to identify the compliance standards. The food safety officer offers labels to the FBOs as:
- Compliance (C)
- Non-compliance (NC)
- Partial Compliance (PC)
- Not applicable (NA)
On the observation so made, the food safety officer may issue a notice of improvement where required in terms of section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006, or may even cancel his license. Any food processor that has been affected by a notice of improvement may refer it to the State Commissioner of Food Safety. The decision may be challenged by appealing to the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or High Court.
Penalties
- Food quality if not complying with the act- 2 Lakh (Petty manufacturer – 25,000/)
- Sub-standard food quality- 5 Lakh
- Misbranded quality of food- 3 Lakh
- False description- 10 Lakh
- Irrelevant matter in food- 1 Lakh
- Failure to comply with the instructions of the Food Safety Officer- 2 Lakh
- Unhygienic processing or production- 1 Lakh
Renewal of the FSSAI license
The FSSAI license is important to start a food business; similarly, it is important to renew the license. The license is issued for one year or five years, so the entity must apply for renewal 30 days before the expiration of the current license. If the applicant’s business ends up missing the renewal date of the license, it will apply for a new FSSAI license to continue operating in the food business industry.
Final Words
The food business with an FSSAI license helps to oFFbtain legal benefits, ensure food security, create consumer awareness, and help expand business not only that but it also helps to control, produce, store, distribute and sell imported food. According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), all food providers (retailers, restaurants, etc.) must have their FSSAI registration done to ensure consumers safety as the consumers, nowadays, are also aware of the food they eat, so any business that constitutes a part of the food industry must be registered with the FSSAI.
