FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
This autonomous body is set up under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It is responsible for the monitoring and governance of food business in India. It makes sure that the food products undergo robust quality checks to eliminate food adulteration and the sale of substandard products. It registers and licenses the Food Business Operator(FBO) in India, by laying down the rules and regulations to operate a food business in India.
Importance Of FSSAI Registration
Food Business Operators involved in the manufacturing, storage, processing, distribution, and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain the FSSAI license/registration.
It should be made clear that FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration are not the same. Based on the nature and size of the business, the necessary license or registration should be obtained by the FBO. It is nothing but a 14-digit license or registration number which the food packages have printed on them. This number provides details of the assembling state with the producer’s permit. It is aimed at creating accountability to sustain the quality of the food products.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
Registration Requirements for FSSAI
FSSAI registration is required for all the FBOs involved in the small-scale food business. It includes the following businesses:
- An FBO whose annual turnover does not exceed Rs. 12 lakh.
- Small retailers dealing in food products
- A person who sells/manufactures any food by himself
- Food sale done by a temporary stallholder
- Individuals distributing food in social/religious gatherings except for a caterer
- Small-scale/cottage industries that deal in food business & the following:
*Procurement, collection, and handling of milk (up to 500 ltr/day)
*Food production capacity apart from milk & meat (up to 100 kg/ltr per day)
*Slaughtering capacity(10 small animals/2 large animals/50 poultry birds per day or less)
How to Obtain FSSAI Registration?
- FSSAI registration is initiated by submitting Form A (application) to the Food and Safety Department.
- This application can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Department within 7 days from the date of receipt of an application and the rejection has to be intimated to the applicant in writing
- If the application is accepted, then the department will grant a registration certificate with the registration number and the photo of the applicant.
- FBO should prominently display the certificate of registration at the place of business during the business hours.
The common documents required for Basic, State and Central Registration are a passport photo and a photo ID proof.
The following documents will be needed for the state and central license:
- List of Food Category
- Address Proof
- List of Equipment
- Incorporation Certificate
- Layout Plan
- NOC from Municipality
- MOA & AOA
- Water Test Report
- List of Partners/Directors
- Export/Import Code
It is important to mention here that the documents required to obtain state and central licenses are slightly different.