Approval and Grand Releasing for Food License in India
Introduction for Approval and Grand Releasing
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It serves to ensure food safety and regulate food products across India. FSSAI’s primary objective is to set science-based standards for food articles, ensuring they are safe for consumption by regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import, thereby protecting public health.
Approval Process
The FSSAI approval process includes several critical steps governed by a robust legal and regulatory framework:
Establishment and Legal Framework
FSSAI was formed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidates various food-related laws into one comprehensive statute. The Act ensures that food products meet the necessary safety and quality standards for public consumption.
Regulatory Framework
- The FSSAI operates under an extensive regulatory framework, including key regulations like the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, and the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011.
- These regulations cover areas such as licensing, registration of food businesses, and setting standards for food products and food additives.
Amendments and Updates
- The FSSAI continuously revises its regulations to address evolving challenges and advances in food science. In 2024, several amendments were introduced to streamline food safety regulations, making FSSAI certification mandatory for food products.
- For example, the use of recycled plastics in food packaging was recently approved under specific conditions to promote sustainability.
Nutritional Information and Labelling
- In July 2024, FSSAI mandated that food products display critical nutritional information, including Total Sugar, Salt, and Saturated Fat content. This information must be emphasized with larger fonts and bold letters for easier visibility to consumers.
- Additionally, new labelling and display regulations were introduced to transform how food products are labelled in India.
Grand Release
FSSAI marks the release of its new initiatives through announcements, public campaigns, and collaboration with various stakeholders:
Press Releases and Announcements
- FSSAI regularly issues press releases to inform the public and businesses of new regulations, amendments, and initiatives. For instance, the introduction of new labelling and display regulations was communicated via an official press release.
- Notifications and circulars are also released to guide stakeholders on updated regulations.
Public Awareness and Education
The FSSAI undertakes public awareness campaigns such as the "Eat Right India" initiative, which promotes healthy eating and food safety across the country. These efforts aim to educate consumers on the importance of food safety regulations.
Collaboration and Partnerships
FSSAI works in partnership with various stakeholders, including food businesses, regulatory authorities, and international organizations, to ensure smooth adoption and implementation of its food safety standards.
Conclusion
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding food safety and regulating food products across India. The approval process involves a well-structured legal framework, continuous regulatory updates, and strategic public awareness campaigns. Through collaborations and significant public announcements, the FSSAI’s efforts ensure high standards of food safety, benefiting both consumers and businesses.
Key Points
- Establishment: FSSAI was founded under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Regulatory Framework: Governs licensing, registration, and setting standards for food products.
- Amendments: Regular updates in response to new scientific and regulatory challenges.
- Nutritional Information: Requirements to display Total Sugar, Salt, and Saturated Fat on food labels.
- Press Releases: Frequent updates about new regulations and initiatives.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to inform consumers about food safety.
- Collaboration: Partnerships with stakeholders to ensure effective regulation implementation.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Steps involved in the food license registration procedure:
- Choosing the Type of Business
- Selecting the Food Category
- Determining the Type of License
- Completing the Documentation Process
The primary objective of every Food Business Operator is to uphold the standards of food quality, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all consumers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI Registration) plays a crucial role in developing the necessary protocols for regulation.
Depending on the size of the food business, there are different types of FSSAI registrations offered.
- Basic Registration
- State License
- Central License
Small or petty FBOs can receive registrations if their annual turnover is less than Rs. 12 lakhs.
The Registering Authority, such as a Designated Officer or Food Safety Officer, grants these registrations.
The required files for registration include
Schedule-1 application is necessary for registration
An annual fee of Rs. 100/- is required
Proof of address and applicant's photograph are needed
If a Food Business Operator operates in multiple states, they must obtain a Central License for their registered Office/Head Office. Additionally, they need to obtain separate licenses/registrations for each unit based on the capacity/turnover from the relevant State/Central Licensing Authority.
The Licensing Officer has the authority to decline the application if the necessary information is not submitted within the designated 30-day timeframe.
FSSAI is the abbreviation for "Food Safety and Standard Authority of India." It is an independent organization under the Ministry of Health. Every individual or entity eligible for an FSSAI food safety registration or license must obtain FSSAI registration.
The issuance of Food license /Registration for food premises under Railways is carried out by the Railways Designated Officers/FSO who are duly notified by the Food Authority periodically.
The acquisition of a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license/registration is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBO), including medical stores.
There are multiple avenues through which consumers can reach out to FSSAI. They have the option to register their grievances and provide feedback regarding concerns about food safety. These concerns may include issues such as adulterated food, unsafe food, substandard food, labelling defects in food, and misleading claims and advertisements associated with different food products.
The fee for modifying a license is determined by the nature of the changes made. Any alteration that affects the information provided in the license certificate (Form C) necessitates the submission of a modification request along with a fee equal to the annual license fee. However, no fee is applicable for modifying non-Form C details.
FBOs have to have a turnover above Rs 20 crore (Rs 30 crore in case of transportation commercial enterprise and wholesaler)
Food companies working Is it obligatory to submit an annual return to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)? in or greater states.
Importers and exporters.
Proprietary meals and non-unique meals.
Food or fitness dietary supplements and Nutraceuticals.
The food undergoes radiation processing.
Food-related operations conducted within the premises of Central Government Agencies
Food service providers such as caterers, restaurants, canteens, hawkers, or small-scale retailers operating within railway station premises.
Online food businesses operating in the e-commerce industry.
Enterprises with significant food production capabilities, subject to specific capacity limits:
Food production (excluding milk and meat) - Over 2 million tons per day.
Acquisition, management, and gathering of milk - Over 50,000 litters per day.
Animal slaughter - Over 50 large animals or over 150 small animals or over 1,000 poultry birds per day.
Storage - Over 10,000 metric tons.
Transportation - Over 100 vehicles.
Hotel - Rating of five stars or higher.
Vending machine - More than one hundred merchandising machines positioned in or extra states/UTs.
All businesses engaged in the production, importation, exportation, or sale of food products are obligated to submit the FSSAI annual return.
The issuance of licenses to food business operators under airport/seaport premises is carried out by the APHO/PHO, as notified by the Food Authority. These licenses are obtained through the Online FLRS system, which is updated periodically by the Food Authority.
To ensure good food hygiene practices in restaurants as per FSSAI, it is important to follow certain guidelines. Firstly, the working area and equipment/utensils should be cleaned properly. Secondly, there should be a sufficient supply of safe drinking water. This water should be tested chemically and bacteriologically by a NABL accredited laboratory. Additionally, any ice or steam used should be made from the same portable water source. Lastly, it is crucial to adhere to FSSAI guidelines when handling and preparing raw materials.
The deadline for submitting the FSSAI annual return is June 30th.
You must obtain a separate license for each food product you sell.
When can they droop the license?
If a food service operator does not follow an improvement notice, their license may be revoked.
As per FSS Regulations 2011, a license can be valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the choice of the Food Business Operator. The validity begins from the date the license is issued.
Transporters who have a turnover of less than 30 crore and own up to 100 wagons need an FSSAI State License. However, those with a turnover of more than 30 crore and own more than 100 wagons require an FSSAI Central License.