The FSSAI State License is essential for Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in various aspects of the food industry, including manufacturing, storage, transportation, retailing, marketing, and distribution. It is required for businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores operating within a single state. However, businesses operating across multiple states must obtain a Central Food License.
Manufacturers and marketers are required to obtain an FSSAI State License regardless of their turnover. The license is valid for a maximum of 5 years and a minimum of 1 year.
This license plays a crucial role in regulating and standardizing the food industry in India, ensuring businesses adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. By acquiring the FSSAI State License, businesses demonstrate their commitment to preventing foodborne diseases, safeguarding consumer interests, and fostering a culture of food safety awareness. It enhances transparency, protects public health, and builds consumer trust within the dynamic food industry.
What is FSSAI Sate License
The FSSAI State License is a mandatory certification for Food Business Operators (FBOs) who conduct operations such as manufacturing, storage, transportation, retailing, marketing, and distribution of food and beverages within a single state. It applies to businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores. Manufacturers and marketers must obtain this license regardless of their turnover.
The license is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the business’s needs. It ensures that food businesses adhere to safety and hygiene standards set by the FSSAI, promoting transparency and accountability in the food industry. By obtaining the FSSAI State License, businesses demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding consumer health, preventing foodborne diseases, and fostering a culture of food safety awareness. This license plays a crucial role in maintaining high food safety standards and building consumer trust within the food industry.
Procedure for FSSAI State License
The procedure for obtaining an FSSAI State License involves several key steps:
- Consultation and Documentation:
Begin by consulting with a professional to understand the specific requirements for obtaining the FSSAI State License. Gather the necessary documentation, including proof of identity, business details, premises proof, and any other required documents as outlined by FSSAI regulations. - Application Filing and Approval:
Complete the application form for the FSSAI State License. Submit the form along with the required documents and pay the applicable fees. The authorities will review the application to ensure all requirements are met. If needed, an inspection may be scheduled to verify compliance with food safety standards. - Food License Delivery:
Once the application is approved and all compliance checks are completed, the FSSAI State License will be issued. This license can be collected online or through the designated office, depending on the procedures of the local FSSAI office.
Documents Required for FSSAI State License
To apply for an FSSAI State License, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Form B: Completed and signed application form.
- Partnership Deed or Affidavit: For partnership firms or proprietorship firms.
- Processing Unit Plan: Detailed layout showing dimensions and area allocations.
- List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor: Including address, contact details, and photo IDs.
- Equipment and Machinery List: Details of equipment, including numbers and installed capacities.
- Food Category List: List of food categories to be manufactured.
- Authority Letter: From the manufacturer (if applicable).
- LLP Agreement: For LLP firms.
- Proof of Premises: Ownership or rental proof.
- NOC and License Copy: From the manufacturer (if applicable).
- Certificate under Coop Act 1861 or Multistate Coop Act 2002: If applicable.
- Food Safety Management System Plan: Or certificate.
- Form IX: Nomination of the person in charge.
- Certificate from Ministry of Tourism: If applicable.
- Company Registration Certificate and MOA: For Private Limited or OPC companies.
- NOC from Municipality: Or local body.
- Proof of Turnover and Transportation: Supporting documents.
- Declaration Form: As required.
- Water Analysis Report: For water used in the processing.
If you are applying for Manufacturing/Repacker category, please arrange other documents mentioned below:
- Manufacturing Unit Photo: Recent photographs of the manufacturing facility.
- Plant Layouts: Detailed layout of the plant showing the layout of operations and equipment.
- Machinery Details: A list of machinery used for production, provided on your company letterhead.
- Product Details: Information about the products manufactured or repacked, also on your company letterhead.
Eligibility for State FSSAI License
- Dairy units processing between 500 to 50,000 liters of milk daily or selling less than 2,500 MT of milk annually.
- Units engaged in the production of vegetable oil with a capacity of up to 2 MT daily.
- Slaughtering units with capacities of more than 2 and up to 50 large animals, more than 1 and up to 150 small animals, or more than 50 and up to 1,000 poultry birds per day.
- Meat processing units with a processing capacity of up to 500 kg daily or 150 MT annually.
- Food processing units engaged in wholesale with a turnover of up to INR 30 Crores.
- Food businesses dealing in retail or distribution with a turnover of up to INR 20 Crores.
- Restaurants with a turnover of up to INR 20 Crores.
- Hotels with a turnover of up to INR 20 Crores.
- Processing plants, including re-labellers, re-packers, and producing units with a capacity of up to 2 MT per day.
The following entities need an FSSAI State License:
- Restaurant
- Club
- Dhaba
- Distributor
- Food Processor
- Canteen
- Wholesaler
- Storage
- Supplier
- Transporter
- Retailer
- Manufacturer
- Hawker
- Marketer
- Others
The FSSAI State License is crucial for food businesses for several reasons:
- Legal Compliance: The cost of obtaining an FSSAI license is generally lower than the potential penalties for non-compliance. This license helps prevent legal issues and penalties.
- Quality Assurance: The license ensures that food manufacturing processes meet safety and quality standards, as it is issued after a thorough verification.
- Mandatory Requirement: According to the Food Safety Standards Act, all food business operators (FBOs) involved in food-related activities must obtain this license.
- Business Opportunities: Having an FSSAI license is important for securing government tenders and corporate contracts.
- Consumer Confidence: The license serves as proof that the food products are safe for consumption, enhancing consumer trust.
- Marketing Advantage: The FSSAI logo can be used on menus and promotional materials, giving a competitive edge over unregistered businesses.
Benefits of Fssai State License
The FSSAI State License offers several significant benefits for food businesses. It helps avoid legal issues and penalties that can be higher than the cost of obtaining the license. By ensuring that food manufacturing processes adhere to safety and quality standards, it provides assurance of compliance. The license is a mandatory requirement under the Food Safety Standards Act for all food business operators involved in food-related activities.
Moreover, it plays a crucial role in securing government tenders and corporate contracts, enhancing business opportunities. The FSSAI State License also serves as proof that the food products are safe for consumption, which builds consumer trust. Additionally, it allows businesses to use the FSSAI logo in their marketing materials, offering a competitive advantage over unregistered competitors.
Non Compliance for Fssai State License
Non-compliance with FSSAI State License requirements can result in serious consequences. Businesses operating without the necessary license may face substantial penalties, legal actions, and fines. Non-compliance also risks the suspension or revocation of the license, leading to operational disruptions and damage to business reputation. In severe cases, businesses could be subject to legal proceedings if they continue to operate without adhering to food safety regulations, potentially resulting in further legal and financial repercussions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining an FSSAI State License is essential for any food business aiming to ensure compliance with food safety standards and avoid legal complications. It not only provides legitimacy and reassurance of adherence to quality standards but also enhances business opportunities by facilitating access to government tenders and corporate contracts. Moreover, it builds consumer trust by verifying the safety of food products and offers a marketing edge through the use of the FSSAI logo. Conversely, failure to comply with FSSAI regulations can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Therefore, securing and maintaining the FSSAI State License is crucial for operating within the regulatory framework and achieving long-term business success.