World Food Safety Day: How to Get a Food License from FSSAI?

Millions of women in India are involved in food business. Making food and selling from home has allowed so many women to be financially independent, and contribute an additional income in the household. As more and more individuals join the food business, it is important to ensure that the food they sell is safe for consumption, which is why, the food safety regulator, FSSAI had made it mandatory for everyone in food business – even the home food sellers – to get a food safety license from the organization.

On this World Food Safety Day, let us understand who requires a food license and what are the simple steps one can follow to get it to work in the food selling business.

Food License for Homemade food selling

A license issued by FSSAI is required to pursue homemade food selling business. However, for a small scale business, only registration is needed. Obtaining Registration or License depends upon the annual turnover of the Food Business Operator (FBO) as following.

What is the need for FSSAI License?

The most important contributor to a success of a business is its ability to induce trust among its stakeholders. Trust is even more important in the food business, as it directly affects the health and safety of the customers. Amid such concerns it can be very difficult for people to trust a new food entrepreneur. A license from FSSAI acts as a mark of trust among the customers for new FBOs, allowing them a fair chance of making their business successful.

Procedure for Registration

FBOs can obtain FSSAI registration online by filling and submitting the FSSAI registration form, i.e. Form A (application for Registration) or Form B (application for State and Central License) on the FoSCoS portal. The FBOs can also register offline by submitting Form A or Form B to the Food and Safety Department.

– The FSSAI registration form must be accompanied by the required documents. The documents must be uploaded online on the FoSCos portal at the time of filling the application or submitted to the Food and Safety Department along with the application physically.

– The FSSAI registration form can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Department within 7 days from the date of receipt of an application either physically or online through the FoSCoS portal. If the application is rejected it has to be intimated to the applicant in writing.

– The Department will scrutinise the documents submitted.

– The Department may conduct an inspection of the food premises, before granting the FSSAI registration certificate, if necessary.

– If the Department is satisfied that the FBO meets all the required criteria, then it will grant an FSSAI registration certificate with the registration number and the photo of the applicant email ID. The applicant can also download the FSSAI registration certificate by logging into the FoSCoS portal.

– FBO should prominently display the certificate of FSSAI registration at the place of business during business hours.

Documents Required

The following documents are required to obtain FSSAI basic registration, FSSAI state license and FSSAI central license:

– Photo identity proof of the food business operators.

– Business constitution certificate, i.e. partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment license or other business registration certificate.

– Proof of possession of business premises, i.e. rental agreement, NOC from the owner of the rented premises, utility bills etc.

– Food safety management system plan. List of food products manufactured or processed.

– Bank account information.

– Supporting documents (if required) like NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, copy of License from the manufacturer, etc.

– Apart from the above-mentioned general documents, certain specific documents are required for obtaining the FSSAI state license and FSSAI central license.

The specific documents required to obtain the FSSAI state license are:

– Form B duly completed and signed Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation

– List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID

– Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity

– Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address

– Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability

– Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002

Apart from the general license, the following specific documents are required to obtain FSSAI central license:

– Form B duly completed and signed

– Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation

– List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity

– Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address

– Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability

– Source of raw material for milk, meat etc

– Recall plan wherever applicable

– Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU

– NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI

– IE code document issued by DGFT

– Form IX

– Certificate from Ministry of Tourism

– Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation

– Declaration form

FSSAI License Cost

The applicant/FBO needs to pay the fees while submitting the FSSAI registration form. The FSSAI registration fee for different types of registration are as follows:

FSSAI Basic Registration – Fee of Rs.100

FSSAI State License – Fee between Rs.2,500 to Rs.5,000 (Depends on the type of business carried out)

FSSAI Central License – Fee of Rs.7,500

Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License

Obtaining a license can provide the food business with legal benefits, build goodwill, ensure food safety, create consumer awareness, and assist in business expansion. Also, it helps regulate, manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of import food. It is easy to obtain funds from investors when an FBO has FSSAI registration.

The FSSAI logo on the food products ensures the quality of food to the customers. The FSSAI registration number displayed on the food premises indicate that the premises comply with the hygiene and quality standards.