Products related to food come under the purview of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments.

FSSAI has been created for laying down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
 

The main objectives of FSSAI are as follows:

  1. To protect and promote public health through regulation and supervision of food safety.
  2. To lay down science-based standards for articles of food.
  3. To ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
  4. To regulate manufacturing, processing, packaging, labeling, importation, exportation, transportations or distribution of food products; or any other matter connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The functions of FSSAI are as follows:

  1. To formulate regulations in order to lay down standards for articles of food and specifying procedures and guidelines for analysis, sampling and testing of food;
  2. To register food businesses and issue licenses or registration certificates, after inspection, to those meeting the laid down standards;
  3. To monitor compliance of food safety norms by such registered food business operators;
  4. To conduct risk assessment and take action on issues which have an adverse impact on health of consumers;
  5. To coordinate with Central Government Departments/Ministries/State Governments/Local Authorities/Industry Associations/Consumer Organizations in relation to matters concerning Food Safety & Standards Authority of India.

The FSSAI has been created for laying down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

Every food business operator (FBO) in India is required to obtain a license or registration from the FSSAI. The type of license or registration required will depend on the nature and scale of the FBO’s business operations.

The FSSAI license is valid for one year and has to be renewed annually.

The FSSAI has laid down certain standards for food products which all manufacturers, importers, and exporters of food products have to comply with. These standards are based on the latest scientific knowledge and international best practices and are regularly updated keeping in mind the changing trends in the food industry.

Some of the important standards laid down by FSSAI are:

  1. Standard for milk and milk products
  2. Standard for cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits and their products
  3. Standard for meat and meat products
  4. Standard for fish and fish products
  5. Standard for eggs and egg products
  6. Standard for edible oils and fats

What is FSSAI registration?

All food businesses must obtain a license or registration from the FSSAI in order to operate. The type of license or registration required will depend on the scale and nature of the business.

Who needs to obtain FSSAI registration?

Every food business operator (FBO) in India is required to obtain a license or registration from the FSSAI. The type of license or registration required will depend on the nature and scale of the FBO’s business operations.

The following types of businesses need to obtain FSSAI registration:
  1. Restaurants
  2. Caterers
  3. Food processors
  4. Food manufacturers
  5. Food packers
  6. Food importers and exporters
  7. Retailers and wholesalers
  8. Storage units

Why is FSSAI registration important?

FSSAI registration is important because it:
  • Ensures that the food products are safe for consumption
  • Helps to build consumer confidence in the food products
  • stablishes a system of quality control for food products
  • Facilitates compliance with international food safety standards
  • Helps to protect the interests of consumers
  • Encourages fair trade practices in the food industry

What are the benefits of having FSSAI registration?

Having FSSAI registration has the following benefits:
  • It helps to build consumer confidence in the food products
  • It establishes a system of quality control for food products
  • It facilitates compliance with international food safety standards
  • It helps to protect the interests of consumers
  • It encourages fair trade practices in the food industry
  • It helps to ensure food safety and quality

How can I get FSSAI registration in India?

While the process of FSSAI registration may vary slightly from one state to another, the general process is as follows:
  • The food business operator (FBO) has to apply for registration or license online on the FSSAI website.
  • The FBO has to submit the required documents along with the application form.
  • The application will be scrutinized by the concerned authorities and if found in order, the registration or license will be issued.
  • If the application is rejected, the FBO can appeal against the decision of the authorities.
The documents required for FSSAI registration are as follows:
  1. A copy of the food safety management system or HACCP certificate, if available
  2. A list of food products to be registered along with their formulations
  3. A floor plan of the premises where the food business will be carried out
  4. A copy of the water test report from a recognized laboratory indicating that the water supply is potable and safe for human consumption
  5. Details of machinery and equipment to be used in the food business
  6. The name and address of the manufacturer, supplier or distributor from whom these machinery and equipment have been procured
  7. The previous registration certificate, if any
  8. A declaration from the FBO regarding compliance with food safety and hygiene standards

What documents are required for FSSAI registration?

Online application for FSSAI registration
  • Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID or Driving License as a proof of identity
  • Address Proof- Rent Agreement/ Lease deed/ Sale deed/ Electricity Bill/ Landline Telephone Bill
  • Proof of ownership of business premises - Rent Agreement/ Lease deed/ Sale deed/ Electricity Bill/ Landline Telephone Bill/ Property Tax Receipt
  • Photograph of Food business operator
  • Certificate or license issued by the competent authority, as may be specified under the regulations

What is the process of FSSAI registration?

Here is the process of FSSAI registration:
  1. The food business operator (FBO) has to apply for registration or license online on the FSSAI website.
  2. The FBO has to submit the required documents along with the application form.
  3. The application will be scrutinized by the concerned authorities and if found in order, the registration or license will be issued.
  4. If the application is rejected, the FBO can appeal against the decision of the authorities.
  5. The registration or license has to be renewed every year.

How long is my FSSAI registration valid for?

All food businesses must obtain a license or registration from the FSSAI in order to operate. The type of license or registration required will depend on the scale and nature of the business.

FSSAI registration is valid for one year and has to be renewed annually.

Products related to food come under the purview of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments.

What are the penalties for not having FSSAI registration?

Here are the penalties for not having FSSAI registration:

  1. If a food business is carried out without registration or license, the food business operator can be fined up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
  2. If any person contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or the regulations made thereunder, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to Rs. 3 lakhs, or with both.
  3. If any person contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or the regulations made thereunder, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to Rs. 5 lakhs, or with both, for a second or subsequent offence.
  4. If any person manufactures, stores, distributes or sells adulterated food, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend to Rs. 1 lakh.
  5. If any person manufactures, stores, distributes or sells misbranded food, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend to Rs. 3 lakhs
  6. If any person manufactures, stores for sale, sells or distributes any food product using the trade name or brand name of another food product, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to Rs. 5 lakhs
  7. If any person manufactures, stores for sale, sells or distributes any food product under a false and misleading label or advertisement, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to Rs. 10 lakhs
  8. If any person obstructs an authorized officer during the course of an inspection or provides false information during the course of an investigation, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to Rs. 1 lakh, or with both.