Did you know India is the second-largest food producer in the world and has the potential to top the list in a few years? But how is this huge industry regulated? Read this article and find out!
India is home to a large number of cultures and cuisines. The Indian food market is enormous. The food industry directly concerns the safety and health of the public. Regulating such a vital industry becomes inevitable. The Governments take it as an obligation to ensure that no unhealthy or wrong product that can cause harm to its people, is launched in the market.
But How Does the Indian Government Regulate the Food Market?
The Government of India (GoI) has enacted various Acts to prevent any harmful food products from being traded in the market. FSSAI and FPO are two such initiatives.
What are FSSAI and FPO?
FSSAI is the abbreviation for ‘Food Safety and Standards Association of India’. And FPO stands for ‘Food Products Order’. Both these initiatives are meant to maintain a healthy and safe food culture in the country.
Dissimilarities Between FPO and FSSAI:
Though these initiatives were rolled out with the same aim, they do have a few differences. Let us understand them.
| FPO | FSSAI | |
| When did it come into effect? | Though FPO was enacted in 1995, an FPO mark was made compulsory to obtain from 2006 onwards. | FSSAI was rolled out in 2006 |
| For whom was it meant? | FPO was meant for businesses that manufactured products based on fruits and vegetables. | FSSAI has become a mandatory license for all business operators in the Indian food industry. |
| With what purpose was the initiative enacted? | FPO was enacted to ensure that the quality of all the products manufactured from fruits and vegetables were safe, healthy, and met the specified quality standards. |
FSSAI was rolled out to monitor, approve, and lay standards for business operators in the food industry, ensuring healthy and safe food for human consumption. The Act was also rolled out with the purpose to amalgamate all other existing food organizations into one governing body. |
| What is the current status of the Act? | The status of FPO stands redundant after the introduction of FSSAI | FSSAI is even today in force and remains the single point of reference for all food safety standards. |
Now that we know FSSAI is the primary regulatory body for Food Businesses in India, let’s find out how the FSSAI works.
How Does the FSSAI Function?
- FSSAI has a decentralized organizational structure, which means each state has a separate FSSAI division that works in the coordination of the municipal authorities of the respective areas of the state.
- Every registered food business must follow the safety standards and regulations of FSSAI.
- If a food business does not oblige to the guidelines, it may lose its lawful operations, and lose its FSSAI permit.
Businesses that must Obtain Certification From FSSAI:
- Wholesalers/ traders
- Food products transporters
- Food storage units
- All kinds of food producers
- Importers or Exporters of food products
- Online FBOs (Food Business Operators)
- Raw food materials suppliers
- Food products distributors.
Types of FSSAI Certifications:
One size fits all is never the case in our large Indian market. Small businesses would not require regulations as much as large businesses. Based on the annual turnover, businesses must obtain one of the following certifications.
- Basic registration: Turnover less ₹12 Lakh
- State FSSAI License: Turnover between ₹12 Lakh to ₹20 Crore.
- Central FSSAI License: Turnover more than ₹20 Crore.
Do Homemade Food Sellers Require Registration?
Yes, if you are selling homemade food products you must register with FSSAI: https://www.fssai.gov.in/, failing which may attract a huge fine, and maybe imprisonment based on the type of offense.
Why Seek Vakilsearch’s Services?
Vakilsearch will help you obtain the right kind of FSSAI License online within the shortest time frame. So you don’t lose your business credibility.
FAQ
What does FPO stand for in the food industry, and how does it differ from FSSAI?
FPO mark stands for Food Products Order. It is a set of regulations that govern the production, distribution, and sale of certain processed food products in India. FPO primarily focuses on product standards and quality. FSSAI, on the other hand, stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety and regulating food products in India. FSSAI covers a broader range of food-related aspects, including hygiene, labelling and food safety standards.
Can you explain the key distinctions between FSSAI and FoSCos in the context of food regulation?
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the primary regulatory body responsible for food safety and standards in India. It sets the standards and regulations for food products. FoSCos (Food Safety and Standards Compliance Systems) is implemented by the FSSAI to enforce these regulations and ensure compliance at various levels of the food industry.
What are the main differences between obtaining an FSSAI central license and a state license for food businesses?
A central FSSAI license is required for food businesses that operate in multiple states or have an annual turnover above a specified limit (usually Rs. 20 crores).
A state FSSAI license is for food businesses operating within a single state and with an annual turnover below the central license threshold.
The main difference lies in the scale of operation and turnover, with central licenses applying to larger businesses with a broader reach.
How does FSSAI differ from a regular food license, and why is it important for food businesses?
FSSAI is a specific regulatory body that focuses on food safety and standards in India, ensuring that food products meet specified quality and safety criteria.
A regular food license typically refers to licenses issued by FSSAI or other relevant authorities to food businesses. FSSAI is essential because it ensures that food products are safe for consumption and meet the necessary quality standards, instilling trust in consumers.
What are the primary distinctions between the FPO mark and the FSSAI mark when it comes to food product labeling?
The FPO mark indicates that a food product complies with the Food Products Order and adheres to specific quality standards.
The FSSAI mark signifies that a food product complies with the food safety and quality standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a more comprehensive and modern regulatory framework compared to FPO.
Could you provide an overview of the three types of FSSAI licenses and their respective requirements?
FSSAI licenses include Basic, State, and Central licenses.
- Basic License: For small businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. Requires basic documentation and registration.
- State License: For medium-sized businesses operating within one state with annual turnovers exceeding Rs. 12 lakhs and up to Rs. 20 crores.
- Central License: For large businesses with operations across multiple states or annual turnovers exceeding Rs. 20 crores. Requires more extensive documentation and compliance.
What exactly is FPO, and what are the different types of products that can be FPO certified?
FPO (Food Products Order) is a set of regulations in India that govern the quality and safety standards of processed food products.A wide range of processed food products can be FPO certified, including dairy products, meat products, bakery items, and more. The specific products covered are listed under the FPO regulations.
Why is FPO used in the food industry, and what benefits does it offer to businesses and consumers?
FPO ensures that processed food products meet quality standards, promoting consumer safety and trust.Benefits for businesses include credibility, adherence to product standards and access to broader markets, while consumers benefit from quality assurance.
Which types of products typically come under the purview of FSSAI regulations?
FSSAI regulations cover a wide range of food products, including packaged foods, dairy products, meat and poultry, beverages, confectionery, and more. It also oversees food additives, contaminants and labelling requirements.
Who is eligible to apply for an FSSAI license, and what are the criteria that determine the need for one?
Any entity involved in the production, distribution, or sale of food products in India, including food manufacturers, retailers, and importers, is eligible to apply for an FSSAI license.The need for a specific type of license (Basic, State, or Central) depends on factors such as annual turnover and the scale of operations, as defined by FSSAI regulations.
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