Is The FSSAI License Necessary For An Industrial Canteen? Yes, it is, since all industrial canteen falls under the definition of a food business. This is because any food business, including canteens, is considered a Food Business Operator (FBO) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
An industrial canteen requires FSSAI sanction as any business which falls in the ‘Food Business’ category under section 3 (1)(n) of the Food Safety & Standard Act 2006 requires an FSSAI Certificate for Industrial Canteens to function legally in India. An FSSAI license for canteen is therefore mandatory to maintain food quality and hygiene standards. In this guide, you will learn the importance of obtaining a canteen license, the types of licenses available, and how industrial units can stay compliant with food safety laws in India.
What is an FSSAI License for Canteen?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) operates the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. It is India’s primary governing body in the food sector. FSSAI functions as a decentralized government agency that has cohorts in every state.
The local cohorts of FSSAI are the bodies that work with local municipalities to ensure food safety by structurally conducting food inspections, health inspections, and restaurant inspections. Any food establishment, including a canteen, is required to have a valid canteen license in compliance with these regulations.
FSSAI license for canteen operations certifies that whatever products your business offers are safe for human consumption. Additionally, the certificates and licenses signify that an FBO upholds food safety, safety for health and the general well-being of society.
Who Needs an FSSAI Certificate / License for Canteen Operations?
Any canteen business, whether micro, small, medium, or large-scale entity – serving consumable goods such as food and items will be required to get FSSAI approval.
Why Food Safety Matters in Industrial Canteens
Industrial workers in India face numerous challenges. Poor nutrition and long work hours are two of these issues. Similarly, while the situation regarding long working hours and tedious labour is gradually improving, industrial workers such as technicians, foremen, mechanics, and assembly line workers are always at risk of malnutrition and a lack of healthy nutrition.
These workers’ inability to acquire proper nutrition to support their bodies is solely due to low wages. To make matters worse, most factories and industrial units have shabby canteens that serve barely nutritious food.
Role of FSSAI Certificate for Industrial Canteens
Industrial Canteens are in-factory units that prepare and cook food for workers. Industrial canteens and their kitchens, like factories and assembly lines, are filthy, shabby, and ill-equipped. Furthermore, under these conditions, even the food served is barely edible and frequently lacks the nutrition profile it should have. This is partly because no one cared about the welfare and development of industrial workers.
In India, labour groups have long since been campaigning against this atrocity. However, with the formation of the FSSAI in 2006, it became mandatory to have industrial canteens that meet basic health and safety standards and can ensure food safety and health safety of their food.
Today, it has become mandatory for every business which falls in the category of a food business to meet many several safety criteria:
These are as follows:
- Food Safety Standards should be followed and met
- Health Safety Standards should be followed and met
- Additionally, industrial units that have their canteen will be subject to frequent inspections by a Food Safety Inspector
You’ve probably learned everything to know about FSSAI and its linked industrial canteens, but if you’re still wondering if your business requires an FSSAI certificate or license.
Let us take a look.
Types of FSSAI License for Canteen
- FSSAI Basic Registration
- Food License
- FSSAI Central License
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FSSAI Certificate for Canteens
This is the perfect canteen license certification for small to medium-sized businesses in the food industry. FSSAI certificate is granted to those businesses which pass an audit and food safety inspection conducted by a Food Safety Inspector. To get this license, your business must have a turnover of fewer than ₹12 Lakhs.
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FSSAI State License for Canteens
This is the standard canteen license awarded to businesses that have passed their audit and food safety inspection conducted by a Food Safety Inspector. To get an FSSAI license for canteen, businesses must have a turnover between ₹ 12 Lakhs and ₹ 20 Crore.
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FSSAI Central License for Large Scale Canteens
This is a top-tier canteen license provided by FSSAI to companies that have passed their audit and inspection and have also been approved for safety standards by a food and health inspection service agency. This fssai license for canteen is mandatory for businesses with a turnover of more than ₹ 20 crores and operates pan India.
Which FSSAI License is Right for Your Canteen?
If you are seeking FSSAI Certificate for Industrial Canteens, the best option would be to opt for FSSAI Certificate.
FSSAI License and Central License are perfect for FMCG goods and Food manufacturing companies that cater to a wider audience throughout the country.
Further, for a single industrial canteen, a standard FSSAI certificate is more than enough to ensure food safety and the health safety of your workers and staff. This is because the other two licenses are ideal for food businesses, restaurants, manufacturers, etc.
Our team at Vakilsearch can also assist you with more details, all you need to do is book a free consultation with us at the earliest!
