FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a regulatory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, established to ensure food safety in India. FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food business operators to maintain hygiene and quality standards.
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration is a mandatory requirement for all food business operators in India to ensure food safety and quality. It helps regulate and monitor the food industry, ensuring that businesses comply with hygiene standards and safety guidelines set under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The registration process involves filling out an online form, submitting necessary documents, and paying the required fees. Once registered, businesses are issued a unique FSSAI license number, which must be displayed on product packaging to build consumer trust and credibility.
What is Fssai Registration
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration is a mandatory requirement for all food business operators in India to ensure food safety and quality. It helps regulate and monitor the food industry, ensuring that businesses comply with hygiene standards and safety guidelines set under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The registration process involves filling out an online form, submitting necessary documents, and paying the required fees. Once registered, businesses are issued a unique FSSAI license number, which must be displayed on product packaging to build consumer trust and credibility.
What is FoSCoS – FSSAI
FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is an online platform launched by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to streamline the registration and licensing process for food businesses. It replaces the older FLRS system and aims to ensure better compliance with food safety regulations.
Objective:
- Simplify Licensing & Registration: Provide an easy-to-use interface for food businesses to obtain licenses and registrations.
- Ensure Compliance: Help businesses adhere to food safety standards and regulations.
- Digitization: Promote digital governance by enabling online submission and tracking of applications.
- Enhanced Transparency: Ensure clear, accessible information for businesses and authorities.
FBOs Who Required FSSAI Registration
All businesses involved in the food sector must obtain FSSAI registration or licensing in India, depending on their scale and capacity, as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This applies to various types of Food Business Operators (FBOs), including:
- Food manufacturers
- Food packaging units
- Proprietary and novel food producers
- Retailers and distributors
- Food transporters
- Wholesale businesses
- Meat processing units
- Online food retailers
- Food storage plants
- Milk processing units
- Cloud kitchens
- Food importers/exporters
- Hotels and restaurants
- Vegetable oil processing units
FSSAI Registration Process
Step 1: Apply for FSSAI Registration
- Start by visiting the official FSSAI website and filling out the relevant application form (Form A or Form B) based on the type of business. Provide details such as business name, address, nature of the food business, and upload necessary documents like ID proof, business address proof, and a passport-size photo.
Step 2: Inspection by FSSAI Authorities
- After the application is submitted, FSSAI authorities may conduct an inspection of the business premises. This is to ensure that your business complies with food safety standards and hygiene regulations.
Step 3: Clearance and Approval
- Once the inspection is completed and the authorities are satisfied with the compliance, your application is cleared for approval. FSSAI will review all documents and inspection reports before giving the final nod.
Step 4: Issuance of FSSAI Registration
- After receiving clearance, the FSSAI registration or license is issued. You will receive a certificate with a 14-digit FSSAI number, which you must display on food products and premises to ensure legal compliance.
Benefits of FSSAI Registration
FSSAI registration offers several legal and business advantages for food operators, ensuring compliance and promoting growth:
- No Legal Hurdles:
FSSAI registration ensures that your business meets all safety and quality standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, minimizing the risk of legal challenges from authorities. - Increased Credibility:
Displaying the FSSAI logo on products builds consumer trust. Buyers prefer products that meet regulatory standards, enhancing your brand’s reputation. - Business Growth:
FSSAI is globally recognized, allowing businesses with this registration to export products and expand their operations internationally. - Streamlined Operations:
FSSAI helps regulate manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale, including the import of food products, ensuring a more organized structure for your business operations.
FSSAI Non-Compliance Penalties in India
Food business operators (FBOs) who fail to comply with FSSAI regulations face serious penalties:
- Selling Substandard Food:
Any individual or FBO selling, storing, or manufacturing food that does not meet FSSAI standards can be fined up to ₹5 lakh. - Misbranding:
Selling food through misbranding or false advertising can result in a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh. - Unhygienic Conditions:
Manufacturing or processing food in unhygienic conditions carries a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh. - Possessing Adulterants:
- Those selling unsafe, adulterated food that may harm consumers face penalties of up to ₹10 lakh. If adulterated food causes death, the penalty includes life imprisonment.