What Is the Difference Between FSSAI and AGMARK?

Feb 14, 2023

9,387 3 mins

Most of us are familiar with the terms FSSAI and AGMARK, and we use them interchangeably. It's critical to understand these certifications and what they mean for you as a consumer. Let’s go over the basics of both FSSAI and AGMARK, as well as how they differ.

Products across industries are certified as per quality standards. There are acts such as the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, among others, regarding licencing food products. These ensure that we consume quality products that are free from adulteration. The latest standards that deal with food products are FSSAI and AGMARK. In this article, you will understand the difference between the two food licencing standards.

A separate act has always governed the manufacture and distribution of a product in India. Some examples include the Vegetable Oil Products Order of 1947 and the Milk Products Order of 1992. Several other products were added to this list, making it challenging for people to keep track. The changing environment in the country led to several changes in food safety laws, and translating them into every act took much time, resources, and effort. The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 was the solution that brought under one roof all previous acts that dealt with food products. This consolidation made it a lot easier for people to keep tabs on these laws and ensure that the standard of food products does not drop within the country.

What is FSSAI?

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which serves as an independent government authority that was created in 2008 as per regulations laid down in the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. The main aim of this organization is to regulate and monitor the quality of the food business in India to ensure the safety of food consumed within the country. It certifies and provides a base or standard which covers all food items and makes sure that these items are hygienic and safe for consumption.

The fssai food license works the same way a checkpoint does to make sure the food is safe to eat. Every business related to food or food processing such as cold storage, manufacturing, distribution, and even packaging, must comply with the FSSAI guidelines and have a valid FSSAI license to function in India.

Functions of FSSAI

Frame rules that help lay down food safety standards and ensure those standards are met.

Plot guidelines for certifying bodies and manage this certification system
Create policies that outline the certification of laboratories to test food
Provide advice and technical support to the government in matters regarding food safety laws
Collect data concerning food consumption, health hazards, contaminants, and imminent biological threats
Create a system that supplies people with information about these risks
Provide training for people involved in the food business
Promote awareness about food safety.

What is AGMARK?

AGMARK is a quality certificate that labels a product pure and of necessary quality as per guidelines specified by a governing body. It acts as a third-party guarantee for agricultural products consumed in India. The quality of an agricultural commodity is based on its intrinsic merit, and these standards are devised keeping in mind International laws and specifications so that we comply with the WTO requirements.

AGMARK Eligible Products

Pulses
Whole spices
Vegetable oils
Wheat products
Milk products
Honey
Rice
Tapioca sago
Seedless tamarind
Besan (gram flour).

FSSAI vs. Agmark: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference between the FSSAI and AGMARK is that AGMARK works as a certification while FSSAI is a government agency that works on food control. AGMARK works exclusively for agricultural products whereas FSSAI licensing covers almost every food item, whether it is of agrarian origin or not. It covers all processes of food processing, from manufacturing to packaging
FSSAI was a direct result of the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, while AGMARK comes under the Agriculture Produce (Grading and Marketing) Act of India, 1937
AGMARK certification deals with chemicals, microbiological experiments, pesticide residue, and aflatoxin levels. AGMARK is given only for the product and not for an individual farmer. As of now, 213 agricultural products come under AGMARK certification. FSSAI License is allotted for individual establishments. Every branch of a fast-food restaurant chain requires an FSSAI licence, even if all branches come under one franchise. FSSAI has three types of licences: basic, state and central.
AGMARK is approved by the directorate of marketing and inspection which falls under the Department of Agriculture. FSSAI is a government authority of its own.

Conclusion

In India, there is no shortage of certifications. There are many Acts which are legally binding on the business owners, some of the major ones related to food are FoSCos FSSAI and AGMARK. We can’t undermine the importance of food laws, they handle one of the most important sectors – health and hygiene. But, government institutions should ensure the effective implementation of laws. From here, you would have got to know that both these standards are to assure good health and hygiene.

Vakilsearch offers a complete food licence and FSSAI registration solution. Our guiding idea at Vakilsearch is to ensure that your food business starts as soon as possible and as smoothly as possible. To learn more, speak with one of our experts now!

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