Food Safety License (FSSAI) Registration Consultants in VK Bhavan

: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, generally called FSSAI, is an impartial body that Is liable for regulating and supervising the protection and requirements of meals merchandise in India. Established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the FSSAI plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health by ensuring that the food consumed by the citizens meets the desired quality and safety standards. The FSSAI formulates regulations, sets standards, and lays down guidelines to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for the Indian population. Additionally, it is also responsible for licensing and registration of food businesses, promoting food safety awareness, and monitoring and controlling the import of food products in the country. Overall, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is dedicated to improving the quality of food, protecting consumer interests, and maintaining a robust and trustworthy food regulatory system in India.

Food safety standards

Food safety standards refer to a set of regulations and guidelines created by governments, global organizations, and company our our bodies to make certain the safety and high-exceptional of the food supply chain. These standards are designed to minimize the risk of contamination, prevent foodborne illnesses, and safeguard the well-being of workers and consumers who handle the food. They cover various aspects of food production, including ingredient sourcing, processing, packaging, and distribution. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with both local and international food safety standards to ensure compliance and maintain a safe operation.

Food safety Management system (FSMS) in FSSAI

The Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan is a set of requirements put in place to regulate and oversee various aspects of food safety. There are different international food safety control systems, such as ISO 22000, HACCP, and FSSC 22000. It's important to note that these certifications are voluntary. However, in India, it is mandatory for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to develop and implement an FSMS plan. This requirement applies when applying for a new Food license or renewing an existing one. The FSMS plan outlines specific hygienic practices, risk assessment, critical control points, production practices, and any other practices mandated by the regulations. The FSSAI has made it mandatory for all food businesses in India to have an FSMS plan in order to ensure the safety and quality of food products. This plan lays out the necessary procedures, controls, and practices that need to be implemented to comply with food safety regulations. It serves as a comprehensive framework for identifying and managing potential hazards, maintaining proper hygiene practices, and safeguarding the integrity of the food supply chain. Regardless of their size or type, all food businesses are required to prepare an FSMS plan, even if they already have a food safety certification from ISO or HACCP. However, for those with ISO, HACCP, or FSSC certification, preparing an FSMS plan may be easier due to the overlapping areas.

Food license Registration

Food license registration refers to the process of obtaining necessary permits and licenses required to operate a food business legally. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety and regulating the food industry. Food license registration, also known as Food license , is mandatory for all food businesses, including manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers, and food service establishments.

It is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of food products available in the market and protecting the health of consumers. By obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, food businesses demonstrate their commitment to complying with food safety regulations and standards. Failure to obtain the required food license can result in penalties, fines, and even the closure of the business. It is essential for food businesses to comply with all legal requirements and operate with the necessary licenses in place.

Who need Food license registration?

Food license registration, is mandatory for various types of food businesses in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates and oversees food safety standards to ensure the quality and safety of food products available in the market. The following types of food businesses are required to obtain Food license:

1. Food Manufacturers: Businesses involved in the manufacturing or processing of food products, including packaged foods, beverages, snacks, and other processed items, must obtain an Food license.
2. Food Distributors and Suppliers: Entities engaged in the distribution, supply, or wholesale trading of food products need to have a valid Food license or license.
3. Food Retailers: Retail outlets such as grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online food sellers that sell food products directly to consumers are required to obtain Food license.
4. Food Service Establishments: Restaurants, hotels, cafes, food trucks, canteens, catering services, and other food service establishments that prepare and serve food to customers must have an Food license.
5. Food Importers and Exporters: Businesses involved in the import or export of food products need to obtain an Food license or license to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
6. Food Packaging Units: Entities engaged in the packaging and labeling of food products, including contract manufacturers and repackers, are required to have a valid Food license.
7. Food Storage and Transport: Warehouses, cold storage facilities, transporters, and logistics companies involved in storing and transporting food products also need to obtain Food License.
8. Food Caterers and Event Organizers: Businesses providing catering services for events, parties, weddings, corporate functions, and other gatherings must have an Food license to ensure food safety standards are maintained.
9. Food Processing Units: Units involved in food processing activities such as milling, grinding, crushing, pasteurizing, canning, and bottling need to obtain an Food license.

It is essential for all food businesses to comply with FSSAI regulations and obtain the required licenses or registrations to operate legally. Failure to obtain the necessary food license can result in penalties, fines, and legal consequences. By obtaining an Food license, businesses demonstrate their commitment to food safety and quality, protecting the health and well-being of consumers.

Types of Food license

In India, there are three main types of food licenses, which are issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is the regulatory authority responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products consumed by the public. FSSAI mandates that all food business operators obtain the necessary food licenses based on the scale and nature of their operations.

1. Basic Food license Registration
2. State Food license Registration
3. Central Food license Registration

Basic Food license Registration

Basic registration is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for small food businesses operating within a limited scale. This registration is suitable for businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs and is aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of food products for consumption.

Basic Food license Registration Criteria

1. Annual turnover of the food business does not exceed ₹12 lakhs.
2. Small-scale food businesses, including petty manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, and caterers.
3. Food business operates within a single state.

Documents Required for Basic Registration

1. Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
2. Identification proof of the applicant, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, etc.
3. Address proof of the business, such as electricity bill, water bill, lease agreement, etc.
4. List of food products to be dealt with.
5. In case of partnerships, a copy of the partnership deed.
6. Copy of the certificate obtained under the Co-operative Act, if applicable.
7. Self-declaration of the food safety management system.
8. Nomination form with details of the designated person in case of the sole proprietor, partner, or authorized signatory for the business.

State Food license Registration

The State License is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for medium-sized food businesses operating within a single state in India. This license is applicable to businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakhs but not exceeding ₹20 crores.

State Food license Registration Criteria

1. Annual turnover of the food business exceeds ₹12 lakhs but does not exceed ₹20 crores.
2. Medium-sized food businesses, including manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, and caterers operating within a single state.

Documents Required for State Food license

1. Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
2. Identification proof of the applicant, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, etc.
3. Address proof of the business, such as electricity bill, water bill, lease agreement, etc.
4. List of food products to be dealt with.
5. Partnership deed, if the applicant is a partnership firm.
6. Certificate of registration or incorporation of the company, if applicable.
7. Food safety management system plan and certificate of compliance.
8. Nomination form with details of the designated person for the business.

Central Food license Registration

A Central License is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for large-scale food businesses operating at a national level in India. This license is mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores. The Central License is required for food importers, large manufacturers, exporters, 100% export-oriented units, and businesses operating in multiple states.

Central Food license Criteria

1. Annual turnover of the food business exceeds ₹20 crores.
2. Large-scale food businesses, including importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and 100% export-oriented units operating across multiple states.

Documents Required for Central Food license

1. Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
2. Identification proof of the applicant, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, etc.
3. Address proof of the business, such as electricity bill, water bill, lease agreement, etc.
4. List of food products to be dealt with.
5. Certificate of registration or incorporation of the company.
6. Food safety management system plan and certificate of compliance.
7. List of directors, partners, or proprietors of the business.
8. NOC from the Municipality or Panchayat, if applicable.
9. Import-export code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), if applicable.

Renewal of food license

Renewal of a food license refers to the process of extending the validity period of the existing Food license to continue conducting food-related activities legally. All food businesses in India are required to renew their Food license before the expiry date to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Process

1. The food business owner needs to initiate the renewal process well before the expiry date of the existing license.
2. The application for renewal can be submitted online on the FSSAI website or through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.
3. The applicant needs to fill in the renewal application form with updated information about the business.
4. Any necessary documents or updates required by the FSSAI need to be provided during the renewal process.
5. After submission, the FSSAI authorities will review the renewal application and may conduct an inspection if required.
6. Upon successful verification and inspection, the renewed Food license will be issued with an extended validity period.

Effect of Non-Renewal of Food License:

1. Operating with an expired Food license is illegal and can lead to penalties, fines, or closure of the food business.
2. The business may face legal consequences, including prosecution, for not complying with food safety regulations.
3. Non-renewal of the Food license can damage the reputation of the business and lead to loss of consumer trust.

Documents Required for Renewal

1. Copy of the existing Food license.
2. Updated food safety management system plan.
3. Any additional documents required for license renewal as specified by the FSSAI.

Modification of food license

Modification of a food license refers to making changes or updates to the existing Food license due to any alterations in the business operations, the food products dealt with, or any other relevant information. Food businesses are required to inform the FSSAI about any modifications to their license to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Modification Process

1. The food business owner needs to identify the necessary modifications to be made in the existing Food license.
2. The application for modification can be submitted online on the FSSAI website or through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.
3. The applicant needs to fill in the modification application form with the updated information regarding the changes to be made.
4. Any supporting documents or proofs related to the modifications need to be attached with the application.
5. The FSSAI authorities will review the modification application and may conduct an inspection if required.
6. Upon successful verification of the modifications, the updated Food license reflecting the changes will be issued.

Documents Required

1. Copy of the existing Food license.
2. Updated information/documents related to the modification (e.g., changes in business operations, product list, location, etc.).
3. Any additional documents specified by the FSSAI for the modification process.

It is essential for food businesses to promptly inform the FSSAI about any modifications to their license to ensure transparency and compliance with food safety regulations. By following the specified process and providing the necessary documents, businesses can efficiently update their Food license as required to reflect changes in their operations.

Food License Annual Return

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires food businesses to file an Annual Return to report their business activities related to food products and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The Annual Return is a mandatory filing that provides an overview of the business operations and helps in monitoring and maintaining food safety standards.

Process of Filing Annual Return for Food License:

1. The food business owner needs to gather the necessary information and data related to their business activities during the financial year.
2. The Annual Return can be submitted online on the FSSAI website or through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.
3. The form for filing the Annual Return will require details such as business operations, turnover, categories of food products handled, import/export activities, etc.
4. The business owner needs to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is provided in the Annual Return form.
5. After submission, the FSSAI authorities will review the Annual Return filing and may follow up for any additional information or clarification if required.
6. Once accepted and verified, the filing of the Annual Return is completed for the respective financial year.

Documents Required for Filing Annual Return for Food License:

1. Relevant financial records and documents related to food business operations during the financial year.
2. Details of turnover, categories of food products handled, import/export activities, etc.
3. Any additional documents or information as required by the Food License (FSSAI) for the Annual Return filing.

Surrendering of Food license

Surrendering a food license refers to the process of voluntarily cancelling or relinquishing the existing Food license for a food business. There may be various reasons for surrendering a food license, such as closure of the business, change in ownership, or the business no longer dealing with food products. It is important to follow the proper procedure and inform the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) about the decision to surrender the license.

Process of Surrendering a Food License:

1. The food business owner needs to decide to surrender the Food license and prepare for the process.
2. The application for surrender can be submitted online on the FSSAI website or through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.
3. The applicant must fill in the surrender application form with all the relevant details and reasons for surrendering the license.
4. Any supporting documents or proofs related to the surrender request may need to be provided.
5. The FSSAI authorities will review the surrender application and may communicate with the applicant for verification or clarification.
6. Once the surrender application is accepted and processed, the FSSAI will cancel the existing license and notify the business owner of the cancellation.

Documents Required for Surrendering a Food License:

1. Copy of the existing Food license.
2. Completed surrender application form with necessary details.
3. Any additional documents or information requested by the Food License (FSSAI) for the surrender process.

It is important for food businesses to follow the proper procedure for surrendering the Food license to avoid any legal implications and ensure compliance with regulations. By submitting the surrender application with all the required information and documents, businesses can smoothly complete the process of relinquishing their food license.