Basic FSSAI Registration

Basic FSSAI Registration

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an organisation that monitors and controls the food business in India. This ensures that quality checks of food products are carried out, thus restricting food regulation violations and the selling of substandard goods.

Every food business operator associated with the manufacturing, processing, sale, and distribution of food products must acquire an FSSAI registration or license lawfully.

As an independent food corporation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is operated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The FSSAI covers all Indian states and union territories.

To get fssai license, food business owners need to contact their state or central licensing authority when they want to start or register their businesses.

Benefits of Basic FSSAI Registration

There are more advantages to having an essential FSSAI registration than not. Some of them are mentioned below.

• With many FBOs distancing themselves from getting a license, those businesses that acquire them are legally authorised
• Many businesses are focused on expansion. With a basic FSSAI registration, there is always a great chance that bank loans and external funds are approved without too many complications. Banks do favour food businesses with licenses, and not the others
• With a basic FSSAI registration, the FBO can avoid various legal penalties. If an FBO is not registered under FSSAI, penalties are more expensive than getting a food license.
• Having a food license makes the food business owner (FBO) legally eligible to promote their r food for its quality and make it a marketable factor
• The FBO can then expect more consumers to trust and try the food with less or no hesitation
• The FSSAI logo also helps promote food quality. With the logo being printed onto packages, menus, etc., it will help consumers trust the quality, which in turn will help them rely on the business
• The time consumed in documentation is comparatively higher than in registering for a food license.

Features of FSSAI Registration

The various notable features of FSSAI registration are as follows.

• Implementation of mechanisms and standards for the accreditation of Food Safety Management Systems for food companies as proposed by certification bodies
• Development of standards and processes for laboratories recognition and notification
• Develop training programs for people interested in food businesses or planning to participate
• Responsibility for the development of international food, hygienic, and phytosanitary standards
• To develop and promote awareness among all citizens on the safety of food and food standards.

Types of Food Licenses

The primary objective of FSSAI and food licensing are to promote public health. It helps in controlling and avoiding any food-related issues that might occur.

Depending on the type of food business and its scale, the food business owners (FBOs) can apply for and avail of the three food licenses issued by FSSAI. The three types of food licenses are as follows.

Central License

Food businesses like big-scale manufacturers, importers, etc are usually applicable for this license. In this case, the license is assigned per the head office details registered with FSSAI.

The business is supposed to function in more than one state to be applicable for this license. The validity of this license ranges from 1 to 5 years.

State License

Food businesses like retailers, repackers, traders, importers, distributors, etc., with an annual turnover of more than ₹ 12 lakhs, are applicable for this license.

The business must be present in not more than one state. The State Government issues it. The validity of this license ranges from 1 to 5 years.

Basic Registration

The State Government issues FSSAI Registration in Odisha via Form A to smaller food businesses with a turnover of fewer than ₹ 12 lakhs. The validity of this license ranges from 1 to 5 years as well.

Procedure for FSSAI Registration

Below are the steps involved in FSSAI registration through Vakilsearch

• Step 1: We collect and verify the documents like Form B, list of partners, processing unit plan, food category list, NOC, etc.
• Step 2: We file the FSSAI application on your behalf
• Step 3: You procure the FSSAI License and enjoy legal benefits, goodwill, and create consumer awareness.

Documents Required for FSSAI License Registration

• A disclosure form declaring all features stated are true
• An authorisation letter to apply for an FSSAI Central License
• If you own a food factory or bases, business papers are required
• Copy of your identification proofs like PAN card, passport, driving license, or aadhar card
• Bank account statement
• Food safety management strategy
• FSMS Certificate
• A copy of the blueprint or layout plan of your food processing unit
• Form IX(For companies)
• The complete list of food products manufactured.

Consequences and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Each individual authorised or approved under the FSSAI shall comply with the rules and regulations laid down in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The food security officer performs a general analysis of the food production facility and agrees on the degree of conformity through the checklist. The food protection officer describes it in keeping with the standard of conformity as

• Compliance (C)
• Non-compliance (NC)
• Partial compliance (CP)
• Not observed/Not applicable (NA).

The following are the penalties for non-compliance with Food Safety and Standards Act.

• If the food quality does not comply with the Act, the fine amount is ₹ 25,000 for a small manufacturer of ₹ 2 lakh turnover
• If the food is below standards, the fine is ₹ 5 lakhs
• For foods that are misbranded -The fine amount is ₹3 lakhs
• With an inaccurate representation of the product or deceptive advertising- The fine amount is ₹ 10 lakhs
• For non-compliance with Food Safety Officer's instructions- The penalty value is ₹2 lakhs
• For unhygienic manufacturing or processing -The fine amount is ₹1 lakh
• For extraneous food items -The fine sum is ₹1 crore.

Food Business Operators (FBOs) Who Require FSSAI Registration

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires all food businesses, regardless of size or location, to register with the authority if they fall under any of the following categories:

• Food processing units: These are units that manufacture, pack, store, or distribute food products.
• Restaurants: These are establishments that prepare and serve food to customers.
• Hotels: These are establishments that provide food and lodging to customers.
• Caterers: These are businesses that prepare and serve food to customers off-premises.
• Retail food stores: These are stores that sell food products to customers.
• Vending machines: These are machines that dispense food products to customers.
• Cloud kitchens: These are kitchens that prepare food for delivery or pick-up.

FSSAI License Eligibility

To be eligible for an FSSAI license, a food business operator must meet the following requirements:

• The food business must be registered with the local authority.
• The food business must have a valid trade license.
• The food business must have a safe and hygienic premises.
• The food business must have a qualified food safety manager.
• The food business must comply with all applicable food safety regulations.

FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen

A cloud kitchen is a kitchen that prepares food for delivery or pick-up. Cloud kitchens do not have a physical dining area, and they typically operate out of a shared kitchen space.To obtain an FSSAI license for a cloud kitchen, the food business operator must meet the same requirements as other food businesses. However, there are some additional requirements that apply specifically to cloud kitchens. These requirements include:

• The cloud kitchen must have a dedicated area for food preparation and storage.
• The cloud kitchen must have a system for tracking the temperature of food.
• The cloud kitchen must have a system for ensuring that food is delivered or picked up in a safe and hygienic manner.

Why Vakilsearch?

Vakilsearch online tech platform is one of the most effective legal service platforms for all your legal needs in India. We have a team of expert lawyers who will guide you through any state's FSSAI basic registration process. Vakilsearch’s experts guide you throughout the entire process, making it less stressful to handle everything.

You can get assistance from our team of food license experts at Vakilsearch with completing registering for the FSSAI license from start to finish.